I think it’s interesting that the alien-megastructure hypothesis has been ruled out because an alien megastructure would dim all EM wavelengths equally, so it must be dust (to explain the lower IR absorption). Like how would anyone know which wavelengths an alien megastructure would block?
One would assume, at least, that an alien megastructure would be larger than dust grains.
An alien megastructure also might want to let some IR pass through it so it doesn’t heat up too much and kill its inhabitants. Especially around an F-type main-sequence star. I’m not saying it is an alien megastructure, but the evidence against it seems sketchy.
Couldn’t it be a Dyson Swarm?
Am I the only one who has no clue what the “KIC 8462852 alien megastructure” is?
No. You are normal.
I don’t know that such an assumption is valid. Of course we make solid discrete structures because of the limitations of our ability to maintain their configuration, but an advanced civilization may well build large “structures” out of fine materials capable of maintaining and altering configuration through fine control of electromagnetic forces. It certainly makes far more sense that a massive swarm of larger orbiting bodies that are going to be pushed by stellar particle ‘wind’ and influenced by each others gravity to become rapidly chaotic.
However, the odds are very likely that this is just a naturally occurring phenomenon. Until we see something that looks like a coherent signal or deliberate motion, ‘assuming’ the likelihood of it being an alien megastructure (to what purpose?) is nothing more than hopeful pleading.
Stranger
I see. So the OP assumes I remember something that was in the news almost three years ago.
I guess you could say it seems like KICs just keep getting harder to find.
You can get them on Route 66.
No.
Most of us assume that not everybody will be interested in every topic. Those that know what it is and are interested can participate in the conversation. Those that don’t know but are curious can ask thoughtful questions. There’s no need for condescension.
No. They assume the reader is either a) already familiar with it, b) curious enough about it to conduct a simple Google search, c) curious enough about it ask or d) indifferent enough to ignore it and move on to one of the other 100,000 threads on the board.
Guess you’re in Group E.
I took this as humor. I can’t remember what I cooked for dinner 3 days ago. If I’m supposed to be offended, let me know.
You have articulated an idea in my own mind better than I could have. I admire your intellect.
It looks like there’s a cluster of unusual star-dimming events near KIC 8462852. Almost like an interstellar civilization.
Or almost like the nebula that all of those stars coalesced out of was particularly dusty.
An anomalously dusty ancient star-forming nebula, or an interstellar techno-signature, which is way more fun. It’ll be interesting to see what James Webb has to say.
“The aliens have resurrection technology and have chosen me for their spokesman!”
OK, OK. It was me. Shitter was full.
KIC 8462582 might turn out more interesting than you think after JWST looks at it. I recommend you just stay on the shitter…