I got questions for the astronomy folks<G> How large can a terrestrial planet be? (In multiples of Earth masses preferably)
A guy at work was telling me about some book he read, "the science behind superheroes" or somesuch. He goes on about Supermans powers saying "For Superman to be able to jump 1/8 mile, Krypton would have to be 15 times more massive than Earth which is impossible because that would make it a gas giant or made from exotic matter" Inside my head red lights flashed and sirens blared and I called "bullshit" on him (or the author of the book perhaps). The fellow I was talking with ordinarily impresses me as being fairly bright, but being informed that Jupiter is only 5 times larger (or even more massive) than Earth puts something of a strain on my ability to hold a conversation. A little searching identifies his book for me: The Physics of Superheroes by James Kakalios Anyone read this or seen it? I'm wondering if the guy just garbled what he had read. It looks as if Kakalios posits Krypton being 15 times denser than Earth besides being 15 times more massive. I suppose that means Krypton takes up the same volume as Earth. Better than living on a gas giant I suppose. <G> Has anyone seen the trailer for the new Superman film? Looks pretty good! xponent Juvenile Arguments Maru rob _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
