How to contain an atmosphere in space?

[Frost Dragon]

Ok this is an interesting idea I had today. Would it be possible and how to contain an atmosphere in space without gravity. Like some sort of plasma magnetic field. Not sure there is a real practical use for Themis other then studying asteroids without space suits.

 

[Simon Bridge]

You could put a charge on the air and contain it electromagnetically - yes. That would be fun right!

 

[Frost Dragon]

So if there was a spaceship going in and out of the field would there be a disruption in the field? I imagine some air would get out on leaving.

Imagine placing plants and animals in these spheres. There could be lots of fun and interesting things.

 

[Simon Bridge]

Its not a practical solution... look up "magnetic bottle".
A craft going in and out would be hugely disruptive... perhaps have it enter or leave through the coils.
Plants woiud probably not grow well, and a field big enough to enclose an asteroid could be dangerous to health... the air would constantly smell of ozone and recombining molecules would become neutral and escape. The remaining charged air would never be still.

 

[DrStupid]

Would it be possible and how to contain an atmosphere in space without gravity. Like some sort of plasma magnetic field.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasma_window

 

[davenn]

A craft going in and out would be hugely disruptive... perhaps have it enter or leave through the coils.

not to mention the very disruptive Solar Wind traveling at speeds of anything between 300 - 2000 km/sec
That wind is going to have a strong dispersive effectDave

 

[Simon Bridge]

Good point: if the tech can cope with the solar wind than it can probably cope with traversing spacecraft .