Terra Nova - Nightfall 11/7/11

The Sixers need to be killed.

The teenagers need to be killed. They're all too stupid to live.

Two science fact questions.

The non-powered spares are NOT likely to be damaged by an EMP.
So, why did they NOT try the spares; I know they said they were damaged; but I thought this was a Sci-Fi show NOT a fantasy show.

Is it really possible for an iron meteor strike to generate an EMP?

Tim S.

stahta01 said:

Two science fact questions.

The non-powered spares are NOT likely to be damaged by an EMP.
So, why did they NOT try the spares; I know they said they were damaged; but I thought this was a Sci-Fi show NOT a fantasy show.

Is it really possible for an iron meteor strike to generate an EMP?

Tim S.

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So if the if the meteor EMP *cough*destroyed*cough* the spares not connected to anything, how does the fabrication machine work? Did I miss that explanation? Or was it just magic? I too felt that an EMP would only disable all mechanical devices/ causing damage potentially to those that were powers when hit with an EMP blast - and doing nothing to those not currently powered up.

What's more ironic, is through dialogue (Taylor/Mirnia) it sounds like these EMP blasts are something that does happen from time to time - shocking that they don't have a backup/failsafe in place for their power supply - just like it is for "the eye"

Tim - good question on the iron meteor strike. you got me!

stahta01 said:

Two science fact questions.

The non-powered spares are NOT likely to be damaged by an EMP.
So, why did they NOT try the spares; I know they said they were damaged; but I thought this was a Sci-Fi show NOT a fantasy show.

Is it really possible for an iron meteor strike to generate an EMP?

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First, I would call this a sci-fi/fantasy show.

Second, if they can travel back in time 85m years, and accurately send pilgrimages to the same spot and time months apart instead of decades or centuries apart, then why shouldn't a ferrous meteor (and how do you know it was made of iron?) generate an EMP? It served the storyline for this week.

As you know, we really need to suspend our disbelief in order to enjoy this show.

getreal said:

First, I would call this a sci-fi/fantasy show.
...
(and how do you know it was made of iron?) ...

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I watched the show; where the daughter stated an iron meteor could cause an EMP.

And, I think I am going to consider this fantasy show with a very little science in it.

Tim S.

getreal said:

As you know, we really need to suspend our disbelief in order to enjoy this show.

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Like building an access (escape?) hatch from the eye that is only big enough for a child?

ducker said:

So if the if the meteor EMP *cough*destroyed*cough* the spares not connected to anything, how does the fabrication machine work? Did I miss that explanation?

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The barkeeper was able to repair a chip manually to get the fabricator going again.

Don't look at me like that! I don't make this stuff up!

I liked the negotiation between Commander [email protected]$$ and the bartender. "How about, you get to keep 4 working limbs?". I also liked the stinkweed.

As for the science of EMPness, well, I liked the stinkweed.

The plot device in this episode was an old standard for Star Trek. Let's break some technology and watch what happens.

What does EMP stand for?
I haven't seen the episode yet if that question is answered.

jamesbobo said:

What does EMP stand for?
I haven't seen the episode yet if that question is answered.

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Electro Magnetic Pulse.

Like any TV show, the science isn't allowed stand in the way of the story... the story being, what happens to TN without key tech? I enjoyed the episode overall. Since an EMP actually injects voltage and current into components, the possibility of damage to equipment not currently under power has some realism. The potential for damage is higher for higher technology components, due to the smaller geometry sizes. Of course, who knows how that affects the futuristic technology ... but I was willing to swallow the explanation of the chips being fried to support the story. A meteor causing an EMP? That was the "oh really?" moment for me, but I still enjoyed the episode overall.

Most military equipment is hardened against EMP. Wonder why all of these systems aren't hardened either? Oh thats right, its a tv show. Uggh. Its really testing my patience.

Have they ever actually said what the power source is for TN? I'm pretty sure they don't have a coal burning electric plant outside the perimeter.

Maybe by 2149 they've discovered how to make fusion viable.

And, before the barkeep whipped out his Colt, I was thinking that they might want to have some kind of backup to their electro guns.

Hey, look. They found computer 'Zero' from Rollerball.

RGM1138 said:

And, before the barkeep whipped out his Colt, I was thinking that they might want to have some kind of backup to their electro guns.

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What's interesting is that the barkeep shot one of his Sixer buddies. I wonder how well that will go over on the other side?

Rob Helmerichs said:

What's interesting is that the barkeep shot one of his Sixer buddies. I wonder how well that will go over on the other side?

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Maybe he's indispensable to the sixers. So much so that he can get away with shooting a leftover extra from 'Weird Science' now and again.

RGM1138 said:

Have they ever actually said what the power source is for TN? I'm pretty sure they don't have a coal burning electric plant outside the perimeter.

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You can see some windmills in some of the far away scenic shots of the compound.

Also, in the episode with the bird dinosaurs (can't remember what they're called at the moment) returning home to their breeding ground, it was mentioned that they drilled geothermal wells when building terra nova. (there was a mentioning of find egg shells when drilling.)

Horrible writing #1: Saying an iron meteorite could cause an EMP.

Horrible writing #2: In the process of having your know-it-all kid character explaining horrible writing #1, have her refer to the EMP as an "EMP Pulse."

nataylor said:

Horrible writing #1: Saying an iron meteorite could cause an EMP.

Horrible writing #2: In the process of having your know-it-all kid character explaining horrible writing #1, have her refer to the EMP as an "EMP Pulse."

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Luckily, they don't seem to have banks in TN, since an EMP Pulse would surely take out the ATM Machines.