It seems to me that the whole idea here is based on the assumption that gravity does not affect photons. This is an incorrect assumption. Photons ARE affected by gravity, this is theorized by General Relativity, AND it has been observed in real life. Basically GR says that as light passes near a gravity well (a planet) the light should be bent slightly. This implies that there has to be some sort of interaction between the photon and the graviton. So I don't think the gravitational sheilding would work.
The article had one interesting thing of note; it said that the planets have the possibility of containing liquid H2O, deemed necessary for life. But isn't it possible for forms of life to exist not dependant upon water. Life on earth is based on water, but these are planets in an entirely different solar system. Who's to say that life there is anything similar (in appearance, chemistry, and so on) to life here on earth. Maybe other possiblities should be considered when we look for life.
Slashdot Mirror
It seems to me that the whole idea here is based on the assumption that gravity does not affect photons. This is an incorrect assumption. Photons ARE affected by gravity, this is theorized by General Relativity, AND it has been observed in real life. Basically GR says that as light passes near a gravity well (a planet) the light should be bent slightly. This implies that there has to be some sort of interaction between the photon and the graviton. So I don't think the gravitational sheilding would work.
The article had one interesting thing of note; it said that the planets have the possibility of containing liquid H2O, deemed necessary for life. But isn't it possible for forms of life to exist not dependant upon water. Life on earth is based on water, but these are planets in an entirely different solar system. Who's to say that life there is anything similar (in appearance, chemistry, and so on) to life here on earth. Maybe other possiblities should be considered when we look for life.
-Ort