In theory you could blow up the Sun.

[Metryq]

One thing's for certain. Anyone trying to blow up the Sun will burn their lips.

 

[Crazy Eddie]

http://io9.gizmodo.com/scientists-say-its-possible-to-blow-up-the-sun-on-pur-1081542892

So far only 2 scientists have come up with this but according to the link they claim it could be theoretically possible to blow up the Sun, our Sun, the life giving star that we orbit..

I'm not 100% sure on this one as only two people have made such an outrageous claim?

From the source, at least three red flags:

1). It's a scientific study with no experimental verification. You guys have heard me say a thousand times now that you can prove just about ANYTHING if you collect enough data. I'm not saying ALL scientific studies are bullshit, only that they are the preferred instrument of hacks and quacks because it's not all that hard to make them seem legit even when their conclusion is complete bullshit (as in this case).

2)This line:

the paper was published in the open access journal, Scientific Research Publishing (SCIRP). Though the China-based site claims to conduct a "rigorous peer review" of research papers, it is considered a "predatory" open access publisher. It does attract quality articles from time to time, but it mostly serves as a vanity press.

Seems legit.

3): "Conditions within the bomb can be optimized in a small area to initiate ignition[1], then spread to a larger area[2], allowing [for the production of] a hydrogen bomb of any power[3]," write the authors in the study. "In the case of the Sun certain targeting practices[4] may greatly increase the chances of an artificial explosion of the Sun[5]. This explosion would annihilate the Earth[6] and the Solar System[7], as we know them today."

That's 7 different things apparently predicted in this paper that the author doesn't actually demonstrate in his data. To wit:
- He doesn't actually know how to optimize a bomb like that
- He doesn't know how to make it spread to a larger area
- He doesn't know and cannot model whether or not if there is a practical limit to the power of such a device or the resulting reaction
- He does not and cannot know what those targeting practices would even look like
- He doesn't know what form the explosion would take or whether or not it would actually extend to the orbit of the Earth
- He sure as hell doesn't know if it would encompass the entire solar system

4) "Those concerned about Man’s future must know about this possibility and create some protective system—or ascertain on theoretical grounds that it is entirely impossie. [sic]"
Is bullshit-scientist speak for "further study is needed, please fund us!"

 

[Asbo Zaprudder]

The authors need to publish another paper on the general methodology for hyping up papers by including ludicrous, unsubstantiated and sensationalist claims that are apparently based on nothing more than science fiction stories.

 

[Crazy Eddie]

^ They'd win a nobel prize for that one.

 

[StarMan]

Because we can do a thing, it does not necessarily mean we must do that thing.

This may be one of those examples.

 

[Crazy Eddie]

Yep.

Just because we CAN do a study on this, doesn't mean we SHOULD do a study on this.
And that goes double for publishing it.

 

[B.J.]

They should talk to Samantha Carter.

 

[Asbo Zaprudder]

Or John Crichton.

 

[Spot261]

Of course, the more they continue to study this and fine tune those "targeting techniques", the greater the likelihood that some insane billionaire might come onto this board, read this, get someone equally demented and/or amoral but (crucially) cleverer to read their papers on his behalf, build such a device then use it as the loaded gun to blackmail his be-wigged way into the White House.

Because, y'a know, if guns make us safer, the NRA really ought to be teaching correct targeting techniques for superweapons.

studies have also shown that paranoia is contagious, isn't science fun?

 

[Gingerbread Demon]

Of course, the more they continue to study this and fine tune those "targeting techniques", the greater the likelihood that some insane billionaire might come onto this board, read this, get someone equally demented and/or amoral but (crucially) cleverer to read their papers on his behalf, build such a device then use it as the loaded gun to blackmail his be-wigged way into the White House.

Because, y'a know, if guns make us safer, the NRA really ought to be teaching correct targeting techniques for superweapons.

studies have also shown that paranoia is contagious, isn't science fun?

No he wanted to build a wall around the Sun and have Earth pay for it.

 

[Crazy Eddie]

Of course, the more they continue to study this and fine tune those "targeting techniques", the greater the likelihood that some insane billionaire might come onto this board, read this, get someone equally demented and/or amoral but (crucially) cleverer to read their papers on his behalf, build such a device then use it as the loaded gun to blackmail his be-wigged way into the White House.