Undergrad Alcubierre Drive & Bending of Spacetime

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The discussion centers on the implications of the Alcubierre drive, which theoretically bends spacetime to achieve faster-than-light travel. Concerns are raised about how this spacetime manipulation could affect nearby matter, such as planets, especially if the drive operates within an atmosphere. It is noted that typical models suggest significant spacetime bending is localized around the drive, but the high energy densities required may pose risks. Additionally, existing research indicates that launching from solid surfaces or within atmospheres could lead to catastrophic outcomes, primarily due to radiation rather than spacetime curvature. Overall, the feasibility of the Alcubierre drive raises complex questions about its interaction with surrounding matter.
jsk108
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Hello,

I've been wondering about this... If something like the Alcubierre drive is possible, that bends spacetime around it in order to reach great distances faster, why would this not affect other matter in its vicinity? If I'm understanding correctly, in order to move faster than light, a big chunk of spacetime would need to be contracted in front and expanded behind such a spaceship; in that case, if the ship was near a planet or within the planet's atmosphere, how would that not cause the planet to also bend/warp?
 
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The spacetime geometries discussed typically do not have large spacetime bending far (many times the bubble diameter) away from the bubble. But with the energy densities involved, you probably don't want to launch from a solid surface or in an atmosphere anyway.
 
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