[Poll] Which scientific breakthrough will come first?

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The discussion centers on a poll about which scientific breakthrough will occur first: achieving relativistic speeds for macroscopic objects or ultra-relativistic speeds for microscopic particles. Participants express a preference for quantum gravity, citing its feasibility compared to the challenges of sending a probe to Proxima Centauri before the sun becomes a red giant. The consensus leans towards the belief that theoretical advancements in quantum gravity are more achievable than practical applications involving macroscopic acceleration. Overall, the conversation highlights the complexities and challenges of both breakthroughs while favoring quantum gravity as the more likely first success. The debate underscores the optimism surrounding theoretical physics in contrast to the daunting engineering challenges of space exploration.

Which breakthrough will come first?

  • Unmanned interstellar probe travels to Proxima Centauri 4 light years away and returns images.

    Votes: 3 15.8%
  • Physicists invent a successful theory of quantum gravity which passes stringent experimental tests.

    Votes: 16 84.2%

  • Total voters
    19
petergreat
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As pointless as it is, let's speculate which of the two breakthroughs will come first!
 
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To achieve the first, we need to accelerate macroscopic objects to relativistic speeds. To achieve the second, we (probably) need to accelerate microscopic particles to ultra-relativistic, Planckian speeds. That's the deal.
 
Tough choice. I like quantum gravity. It appears more likely than sending a probe to proxima centauri before the sun goes red giant.
 
Chronos said:
Tough choice. I like quantum gravity. It appears more likely than sending a probe to proxima centauri before the sun goes red giant.

Wow, someone sure has no faith in humanity :biggrin:
 
I voted wit the majority on the quantum gravity. Theories are far easier to prove then the daunting obstacle of actually doing something.
 
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