13 faster-than-light travel methods from sci-fi that leave Einstein's theory of relativity in their space dust

[Admin]

Cosmic speed limits can be a major inconvenience but they've rarely stopped science fiction in its tracks.

13 faster-than-light travel methods from sci-fi that leave Einstein's theory of relativity in their space dust : Read more

 

[Unclear Engineer]

I am surprised that we don't yet seem to have a 14th - "entanglement". But, that might be the backfitted explanation for some of that 13, particularly #10 "Infinite Probabilty Drive" and #8 "spore drive" and maybe #4 "stargate".

But, those would be sort of implicit. Explicit reliance on "entanglement" for "teleportation" instantly from one star system to another, using machines laboriously sent by time-consuming methods to the distant locations pre-storyline, seems like the more "modern pseudo- explanation". The teleportation machinery could have been sent and erected by AI-robots that could withstand the centuries-long trips with "new and improved" propulsion systems that still plausibly obey General Relativity Theory.

Or, maybe just wait for the next discovery or theory.

 

[Helio]

The teleportation machinery could have been sent and erected by AI-robots that could withstand the centuries-long trips with "new and improved" propulsion systems that still plausibly obey General Relativity Theory.

Yes, I am surprised entanglement wasn't mentioned since it is the fastest transport system of them all. But if any of the others could work, the AI bots could be subjected to the road hazards to deliver the entanglement particles.

This assumes, of course, we can make entanglement work they way we'd like.

 

[Unclear Engineer]

These interstellar transportation processes in science fiction are using the "plausible impossibility" principle long used in animated cartoons. The usual example is Wiley Coyote running off the edge of a cliff and stopping but not falling - until he looks down and sees that he is not standing on anything but air. We know it isn't realistic - but it is entertaining.

Science fiction just asks us to think that something might plausibly be possible in the future that we think is impossible today.

 

[Helio]

These interstellar transportation processes in science fiction are using the "plausible impossibility" principle long used in animated cartoons. The usual example is Wiley Coyote running off the edge of a cliff and stopping but not falling - until he looks down and sees that he is not standing on anything but air. We know it isn't realistic - but it is entertaining.

Science fiction just asks us to think that something might plausibly be possible in the future that we think is impossible today.

Yes, movie making has taught it is better not to offer explanations for futuristic advancements as it comes across too ad hoc. It's best to let the just "admire" the advanced work found in the future. But they have to be careful not to catch what comes across as ad hoc or go faster than "12 parsecs", IIRC.