Science fiction is as the name suggests the fiction of science. I thought it would be a fun, interesting and at times mind bending idea too look at the science behind some of the technology in science fiction and look under the hood to see what’s required to make it work or what barriers are in the way.
Science in Sci-Fi – Quantum Entanglement Communication
First off – what is quantum entanglement? It’s where 2 sub atomic particles (were talking protons, neutrons, electrons etc here) become ‘linked’ in some way so that they both reflect the state of the other. This science is on the cutting edge of what we’re able to achieve.
This is science fact.
How does it work
If two ‘joined’ particles are separated by a long distance these 2 particles continue to reflect the state of the other. The interesting thing is that it seems to be that the change occurs instantly, regardless of distance. The Chinese have carried out experiments over hundreds or thousands of kilometres and proved that it works over this distance. What this might mean is that instant communication over long distances, like interplanetary or interstellar distances might be instantaneous.

This is at least how the Science Fiction world uses it. As always with Science Fiction the writers are trying to overcome the technical obstacles of now for their stories as the future needs to be better than it is now.
The idea of fast or instantaneous communication using something like quantum entanglement is something that would revolutionize space exploration – imagine being able to talk to Mars explorers in real time like on a telephone call on Earth. It’s exciting. The added advantage is that it’s totally unhackable, another linked particle to eavesdrop can’t be found.
What are the Challenges?
As with all these things are are challenges, most of which is the big unknown in this case and that is – How far can 2 particles be entangled for? Will they even reach the Moon? It would be a bit of an issue to create a radio for our future star travellers and they lose contact long before they reach the destination.
For now though, Sci-Fi thinkers and writers ignore the unknowns and carry on regardless. I don’t blame them – otherwise talking though space is a very long winded and boring conversation with most of it being the delay induced by boring light speed.
© Simon Farnell 2013 – 2022

Sketching Little Dogs
This latest large sketch work is based on a photo of 2 small dogs laying on a sofa. As you can imagine getting the it to look right is more than just perspective and getting the face look right – there’s loads of fur try and capture the look of. So the line drawing started … Continue reading Sketching Little Dogs

Time, Space and the Universe as we know it – Part 8 Energy and Matter
With all it’s vastness and complexity it’s taken a long time for humans to reach the understanding that we have of the universe that we have. This is the story of evolving understanding and how simplicity gives way to incredible truth’s that seems to sit at odds with how we think life should be… and … Continue reading Time, Space and the Universe as we know it – Part 8 Energy and Matter

Simon’s Sketch Work – 3D Ball
I’ve been trying to hone my sketching skills, having a sketching workbook has helped a lot to give me ideas and methods and techniques… I enjoyed this one, for some reason a bit of a pain getting the circle the right size and position but the shading seems to blend well. It’s amazing that a … Continue reading Simon’s Sketch Work – 3D Ball
All I really want is a transporter–when are they going to invent THAT?!
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It might be a little while 😂
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Thanks for that update Simon. I had chanced upon a description on the circumstance, but was not aware of the possible practical implications.
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That’s the incredible thing about it. It could be so amazing… Or not
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Onwards and upwards.
Even if it is not practical yet, the research will be bound to uncover something else useful and attainable.
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It’s exciting to think about what’s not yet been discovered 🙂
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In truth in that prescient quote from “Shape of Things to Come”
“But for Man no rest and no ending. He must go on conquest beyond conquest. First this little planet with its winds and waves. And then all laws of mind and matter that restrain him. Then the planets about him. And at last out throughout cosmos beyond the stars And when he has conquered all the depths of space and the mysteries of time he will still only just be beginning.”
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Love it!
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Gives me the nice shivers, because it would be the case; there’s always ‘Something Else’
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There always will be!
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Best part!
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I saw Dr Strange =D That’s it, lol. That gold atom, circle thing reminded me of it, lol
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Ah I can see why. I do like Dr Strange
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You have a far more scientific mind than me Simon. Frankly, while certain aspects of science intrigue me, I can’t tell fact from fiction these days. Space exploration does fascinate me though! Have a great weekend. 😊
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