My new SETI post has "gone live." As you've probably noticed, I'm gently easing my way into a deeper discussion of the UFO phenomenon by way of contemporary SETI thought. Enjoy.
Wikipedia won't load for me atm so my question is what are the differences between a von Neumann probe and a Bracewell probe? They sound like very similar ideas to me but I was only familiar with the term "von Neumann probe".
Good question. There two concepts overlap; von Neumann machines are characterized by self-replication, but they don't necessarily transmit to their creators if they happen across a technological civilization.
Bracewell probes, on the other hand, aren't necessarily self-replicating -- although they *could* be.
Great post Mac, and very thought-provoking.
ReplyDeleteWikipedia won't load for me atm so my question is what are the differences between a von Neumann probe and a Bracewell probe? They sound like very similar ideas to me but I was only familiar with the term "von Neumann probe".
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nick. More on the way!
ReplyDeleteAnon.--
Good question. There two concepts overlap; von Neumann machines are characterized by self-replication, but they don't necessarily transmit to their creators if they happen across a technological civilization.
Bracewell probes, on the other hand, aren't necessarily self-replicating -- although they *could* be.