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From: fish@ihu1g.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.sf-lovers
Subject: Re: Death Star weapon.
Message-ID: <342@ihu1g.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 14-May-84 15:27:46 EDT
Article-I.D.: ihu1g.342
Posted: Mon May 14 15:27:46 1984
Date-Received: Thu, 17-May-84 05:34:34 EDT
References: <12537@sri-arpa.UUCP> <1514@dartvax.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Naperville, IL
Lines: 14

Yes, the strong nuclear force IS much greater than the electromagnetic
force, which is why nuclear weapons make such a big noise.  I still
contend that the Death Star weapon starts a nuclear chain reaction at the
target, but I don't know how you could do it.  Assuming that Alderan was
made up of iron and silicates, etc, there isn't much readily fissionable
or fusionable material around.

I don't think a weapon that could neutralize the electrostatic charges
is feasible, but a proton beam would be just as effective.  Trouble is,
the effect would be local.
-- 

                               Bob Fishell
                               ihnp4!ihu1g!fish