Letter: Letters: Warp pollution

From DANIEL WRIGHT

I too think that publishing an article on ‘warp drives’ is a courageous
move (New Scientist, Science, 11 June), but I find Peter Grove’s letter
‘Warped’ (Letters, 9 July) fascinating in its consideration of ‘space-time
pollution’ caused by the contraction and expansion of space-time.

I cannot say what future environmentalists would make of the ‘Alcubierre
drive’, but I thought that it might be worth bringing Star Trek back to
the argument.

I am sure your readers will be intrigued to know that a recent episode
of Star Trek: The Next Generation, entitled ‘Force of Nature’, involves
the discovery by some alien scientists that use of warp drives is wearing
out the fabric of the space-time continuum.

Needless to say, the Enterprise is soon involved and the Federation
looks as if it might need to review its eco-policy.

Life imitates art – does art imitate New Scientist? Highly illogical,
no doubt.

Daniel Wright Hastings, East Sussex