Floating Halo: A Dream of Equilibrium

[Morga]

"Floating Halo"

This is an oversimplification that assumes the Earth is perfectly spherical, ignores gravitation pulls from objects other than the earth, assumes that a superstrong material could create a giant structure that can withstand enormous stress and that it's density is constant throughout.

Imagine a large rigid halo (with a radius greater than the earth's) placed around the earth. The force "pulling" the halo towards the Earth would be equal to the force pulling the halo on the opposite side. Would leave the halo "hovering" above the Earth in a state of equilibrium? If so, because the centres of gravity of the Earth and halo in the same place does this mean that the two objects are in equilibrium with each other? And also how amazing cool would it be to see a seeming straight platform float across the land?

 

[Valerie Park]

The answer is no, a floating halo around the Earth would not be possible. This is because the force of gravity on the halo from the Earth would be greater than the force of gravity on the Earth from the halo. This difference in forces would cause an imbalance, and the halo would be pulled towards the Earth, eventually crashing into it. Additionally, the halo would need to be made of a material that could withstand the enormous forces of gravity, which is likely impossible.

 

[sir-pinski]

While the concept of a "floating halo" may seem like a dream of equilibrium, it is important to consider the many factors that would make this scenario impossible in reality. As mentioned, the Earth is not a perfect sphere and is constantly affected by gravitational forces from other objects in the universe. Additionally, the idea of a superstrong material that can withstand enormous stress and maintain a constant density throughout is currently beyond our technological capabilities.

Even if such a material did exist, the forces acting on the halo would not be balanced as the Earth's gravity would still be pulling on it, causing it to eventually collapse onto the planet. In order for the halo to truly float above the Earth, it would need some sort of propulsion or counteracting force to continuously keep it in place, which again, is not feasible with our current technology.

While it may be a fascinating concept to imagine a floating platform hovering above the Earth, it is important to remember that the laws of physics and the limitations of our technology prevent such a scenario from becoming a reality. Instead of dreaming of unrealistic equilibrium, we should focus on finding solutions to real-world problems using the knowledge and resources we have available to us.