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04 January 2007

Photon Cannons Is there such a thing, or is it just a phrase from the world of science fiction? I just talked to a very insistent lady who was trying to help her kid with some kind of science project.
I didn't think so, but peep this.
posted by Specklet 04 January | 14:39
And this, and this! My mind is not made up.
posted by box 04 January | 14:42
The only Google result for 'gravitational array reflection' is that Urban Dictionary page.
posted by box 04 January | 14:45
I think it's a bunch of baloney. The next time she uses the term, say "Oh, you mean a flashlight."
posted by Specklet 04 January | 14:48
It certainly sounds like baloney, but I don't think this poor woman could tell a proton from a crouton, and I'd hate to call somebody's kid a liar.
posted by box 04 January | 14:56
The closest thing I can imagine to a photon cannon would be some kind of laser. You could potentially do someone damage by shining it in their eyes, or damage things in general by heating them up. Neither of those really sound like a 'cannon', though -- to me, a cannon works by physically pushing things around. It is possible to shift things using light, thanks to the radiation pressure, but it's a pretty darn small effect.

In fiction, Wikipedia tells me that Wing Commander had a photon cannon that was a special kind of laser cannon. And there's a photonic cannon in Star Trek lore.
posted by chrismear 04 January | 15:17
The cool sci fi tanks from Bolo briefly had "laser cannons", and their infinite repeaters were briefly a kind of laser. These would probably be considered "photon cannons," I suppose.
posted by muddgirl 04 January | 15:23
If I was tasked with bringing a Photon Cannon to life just from the name I'd think of a repeating recoiless rifle that fired shells that are self contained chemical lasers.
posted by Mitheral 04 January | 15:33
Mitheral for the win.
posted by chrismear 04 January | 15:48
I call mine a flashlight.
posted by Eideteker 04 January | 21:52
Tripping the Rift || BrainAmp Music improves your IQ! (?!)

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