Shkadov Thrusters
Why Worldbuilding Stack Exchange recommends it
Worldbuilding Stack Exchange users link it as a reference when they need a plausible, well-explained description of stellar engines that can move stars and solar systems.
Recommended by 0 people across 0 different months, 2016 to 2024.
What it is
An Isaac Arthur episode explaining the Shkadov Thruster, the simplest form of Dyson sphere, which is a huge mirror placed near a star so its uneven light pressure slowly pushes the whole star system. It covers how the device works and what it could do for a civilization that wants to relocate a solar system. It is a narrated, slide-based explainer.
What people said
Cites Thucydides · 2016-11 · Worldbuilding Stack Exchange · on “Encasing a star in a perfect insulator”
I disagree with the "nothing much" answers, since what you are describing is the key (in much smaller scales) for " Star Lifting [LINK] " and " Shkadov Thrusters [LINK] " One of the methods to initiate "Star Lifting" is to beam energy back at the star using an energetic laser or even a system of mirrors to concentrate and focus the starlight on a point on the star. The extra energy begins to heat the local area, which responds eventually by emitting plasma. The Shkadov Thruster takes this idea to a higher level and can actually move entire stars and solar systems (details here [this video] ) The insulating layer means the energy of the star has nowhere to go, and the local environment becomes hot
Cites user69935 · 2020-04 · Worldbuilding Stack Exchange · on “What percentage of stars would need to become Shkadov thrusters to move the whole galaxy?”
The advanced civilization in my story is trying to reach as many galaxies as possible in the next few billions years before the expansion of space has sent those galaxies permanently out of reach without some form of FTL travel which my story does not have. I plan to have von Neumann probe-like self replicating machines powered by laser relays from Nicoll-Dyson beams, possibly a double beam from opposite sides keeping the star in its location whilst sending probes in opposite directions. Once in the new galaxies the self replicating machines will gather materials and turn the majority of stars into Shkadov thrusters [LINK] , the collective thrust of the stars and the gravitational hold of th
Cites Ash · 2024-05 · Worldbuilding Stack Exchange · on “Can anyone win a "game" of Rocket Tag on an interstellar level against a prepared opponent?”
Weirdly moving a star system wholesale might be easier than evacuating the population. See Stellar engines [LINK] and in particular the Shkadov Thrusters [this video]