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Energy-Beaming Space Collector To Also Alter Weather?

Recently we covered California utility company PG&E's ambitious deal with upstart Solaren to beam energy to earth from a space-based solar collector. What we didn't know is Solaren's patent also covers the alteration of weather elements with that very same system. "By heating up the upper and middle levels of an infant hurricane, they say they could disrupt the flows of air that power the enormous storms. Air warmed by tropical waters flows up through a hurricane and is vented through the eye into the upper atmosphere. Theoretically, you could heat up the top of the storm and lower the pressure differential between layers, resulting in a weaker storm. "

6 of 274 comments (clear)

  1. Re:I don't understand. by Cmdr-Absurd · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    You have to nuke 'em from orbit. It is the only way to be sure.

  2. Re:So.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Except that instead of Clancy's books changing all that has changed is your own political beliefs and the way you can no longer even stand to listen to opposing beliefs without erupting into rage. You should thank rush limbaugh for that.

  3. Re:So.. by Shakrai · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    God, I love you left-wing morons! You just can't pass up the chance to try and work in a nice Rush Limbaugh reference can you?

    Have you ever read any of the books from the Ryanverse? Here's a hint: Rush Limbaugh would love Jack Ryan. Jack Ryan started out as a apolitical character who eventually become President and advocated for neo-con/religious-right leaning policies. That's the change in his character that I was bemoaning.

    Don't let the facts get the way of your assumptions though :)

    --
    I want peace on earth and goodwill toward man.
    We are the United States Government! We don't do that sort of thing.
  4. Re:So.. by jbezorg · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Don't worry. Other, possibly right-wing, morons will jump in to set them straight.

    --
    I've lost all my marbles except one & It's fun to test angular & centripetal acceleration in my skull
  5. Re:So.. by fireman+sam · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Some Zen for you all...

    A country like a bird, cannot fly without both a left and and right wing.

    --
    it is only after a long journey that you know the strength of the horse.
  6. Re:So.. by mOdQuArK! · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    A metaphor is relevant only if the attributes of the metaphor have the same sort of relationships to each other as to the concept you are trying to simplify.
    Countries aren't like birds. Political ideologies aren't like wings. Therefore your attempt at metaphor is a complete failure.