Neutrino Blast Dangers Exposed: Alien: Covenant & Beyond

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    Alien Neutrino
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the portrayal of neutrino blasts in the film "Alien: Covenant" and their potential dangers. It highlights that lethal neutrinos can deliver significant energy, with a comparison made between the brightness of a supernova and a hydrogen bomb detonation at close range. The conversation emphasizes that while humans can succumb to radiation doses as low as 4 Sv, spacecraft components can endure much higher levels, indicating that if a ship suffers damage from a neutrino blast, the crew's survival is unlikely.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of radiation exposure levels, specifically in Sieverts (Sv).
  • Knowledge of neutrino physics and their interaction with matter.
  • Familiarity with the effects of supernovae on surrounding environments.
  • Basic concepts of spacecraft design and material resilience to radiation.
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  • Research the effects of radiation on human health, focusing on Sievert measurements.
  • Explore neutrino physics and their properties in detail.
  • Study the impact of supernovae on nearby celestial bodies.
  • Investigate materials used in spacecraft construction and their radiation resistance.
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Astrophysicists, science fiction enthusiasts, filmmakers, and anyone interested in the intersection of radiation science and space exploration.

stoomart
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Last night I was watching the latest Alien: Covenant movie, where the crew and colonist are brought out of cryosleep to repair damages to the ship caused by a "neutrino blast". This didn't sit well with me, so I did some searching and thought I'd share what I found:

Lethal Neutrinos: https://what-if.xkcd.com/73/

Which of the following would be brighter, in terms of the amount of energy delivered to your retina:

1. A supernova, seen from as far away as the Sun is from the Earth, or

2. The detonation of a hydrogen bomb pressed against your eyeball?​
 
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... and humans are much more fragile than spacecraft components.

4 Sv can kill a human, while most electronics will survive that easily. Purely structural material will survive 1 MSv without notable damage, and even some electronic components can survive that.

If there is damage to the ship, the humans are dead.
 
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