[ExI] the positive side of being slammed by oort cloud objects

[spike]

> ...On Behalf Of Ben Zaiboc
 
> > From: Keith Henson <hkeithhenson at gmail.com>
> > 
> > http://www.technologyreview.com/blog/arxiv/24917/
> > 
> > . . . .
> > 
> > What the new data has allowed Bobylev to do is calculate the 
> > probability of Gliese 710 smashing into the Solar System.
> > What he's
> > found is a shock.
> 
> Gliese 710 is 1.4 million years away from getting anywhere 
> near us.  Why is this the least bit interesting to anyone 
> except astronomers?  
> 
> In 1.4my, we'll either be long dead or more than capable of 
> coping with such a thing.  It might even count as 
> entertainment!  Or it might be as significant as getting your 
> elbow jostled in a crowd.
> 
> Ben Zaiboc

Right on, Ben!  The possibility of having Oort Cloud objects displaced
inward is very positive and exciting.

Picture humanity 1.4 million years hence.  We have long since converted the
metals in our system to an Mbrain.  Passing star displaces icy bits that
come plunging inward and tears a hole in the Mbrain?  No, not exactly.  The
icy bits collide with existing nodes, some of which become embedded in the
interloper, which then have an abundance of raw material which they use to
completely convert to more nodes, which then disperse and rejoin the Mbrain.

Having asteroids come raining down on an Mbrain is like having additional
brain cells implanted.  A single kilogram of rocky material can be used to
create thousands of new nodes, which can simulate entire worlds, cheerfully
calculating new and wonderful ideas as the seconds of eternity quietly tick
by.

spike