What distance could a ship circumnavigate, using theoretically proven technologies, by the end of the century, traveling as far into space as possible and still returning home in 900 years? [more inside]
posted by marcuswebb on Oct 3, 2009 - 13 answers

What's the best literary equivalent of Alien/Aliens? [more inside]
posted by fearfulsymmetry on Aug 9, 2009 - 21 answers

How would you get through a black hole? [more inside]
posted by smoke on Aug 3, 2009 - 28 answers

To what extent would the lack of an atmosphere reduce the effectiveness of nuclear weapons?
posted by Artw on Sep 26, 2008 - 17 answers

Please-help-me-identify-a-book-filter. Trying to track down a young adults hardish sci-fi book from the mid 80s in the UK about a space medic in trouble. [more inside]
posted by ArkhanJG on Jul 1, 2008 - 3 answers

Help me find a cool screen saver that won't infect my computer. [more inside]
posted by Flying Saucer on May 15, 2008 - 11 answers

ScienceFictionBookFilter: What is the title of a science-fiction book about a cold, snowfilled planet being colonized by residents from Finland? Artificial suns and mystical powers involved... [more inside]
posted by rlef98 on Feb 9, 2007 - 4 answers

I'm reading Alastair Reynold's excellent Pushing Ice and I'd love to read more like it - help me Mefi! [more inside]
posted by Happy Dave on Jan 27, 2007 - 24 answers

Would a bag collapse if I sucked the air out of it in outer space? [more inside]
posted by TimeTravelSpeed on Sep 8, 2006 - 32 answers

This is a question about temporal mechanics for scifi readers. [more inside]
posted by BorgLove on Nov 17, 2005 - 67 answers

With the completion of the Star Wars sextology [sic], I was looking for recommendations of other science fiction/fantasy space operas. I just bought the Doc Smith's Lensman "prequel", Triplanetary, and his first Skylark book. Any other suggestions or comments on these (i.e. should I start with Galactic Patrol in the Lensman series? Read Skylark before Lensman)? Suggestions from across all media is welcome (Babylon 5, etc.).
posted by Dante5Inferno on May 23, 2005 - 30 answers

What would happen if someone were to build a tunnel or tube into space? (Description inside...) [more inside]
posted by punkbitch on Jan 20, 2005 - 10 answers