'Rough Science'

[venus]

Just happened to watch part of an episode today where they made an interesting communication devise that uses light rays to transmit sound. I guess that lasers could be used in the same manner. Did anyone else catch the show?
http://www.pbs.org/weta/roughscience/series4/communication/

[Doug]

No, I didn't catch the show, however the technology is not really all that new. Fibre optic transmission lines have been around for quite a while. Using lasers to 'inject' modulated light beams into a fibre optic bundle, we can send data or audio signals through a network of cables very cheaply and efficiently.
It would only be a simple extension, though of limited scope to just use a modulated laser to tx info to a remote station. The Moon would be a logical target as obviously cable can't be used.
I was subjected to a talk by one of the SETI scientists who suggested that ETs phoning home would probably use lasers because they could aim their beams with great accuracy from one part of the Galaxy to another. I just didn't have the heart to ask him "how long do ETs live for and if they are on the move what happens if they are not in thier predicted part of the galaxy centuries later when the reply transmission would get there?":screwy: :screwy:
Well I suppose I should give him 7/10 for sounding convinced.:rofl: :rofl:

Cheers,
Doug

[venus]

Hi Doug, thanks yes interesting concept involving SETI though, you know that aliens can send signals much the same way the native indian sent smoke messages...

[Ric]

Hi Venus, I have seen "Rough Science" a few times now. It is quite a good show and very clever.
It's definitely a lot better than some of the repeats of the repeats of the repeats etc that some of the stations have been showing.

Cheers

[venus]

yes indeed, though 'MythBusters' is one of my favorites not as fast paced as this show and with more detailed info on experiments I think.

[Ric]

Yep, Mythbusters is a great show, the top ten show was a good laugh.
Love that chook cannon :thumbsup: :lol:

Cheers

[venus]

also didn't catch all of this show, but do remember the 'wooden canon'
...:eyepop:

[spacezebra]

Hi there Venus

There is another program on Pay TV called "Naked Science" - worth a look see if you get an opportunity.

Cheers Petra

[spacezebra]

One of my favourite shows

[venus]

thanks Petra yes 'Naked Science' is feeky that guy with the dogs is amazing:thumbsup:

:D MythBusters' a real treat!