I need one of these that scoops cations instead of electrons. Any ideas?
Coupling a Dyson-Harrop satellite with a huge array of magnets might do the trick. Depending on the density of the Solar wind on the day side of Venus. It could be as small as a few miles in diameter. Focusing a proton beam into the Venereal atmosphere should result in some hot water and Methane as the H+ reacts with the CO2 at high temps.
Since the proton's mass is ~1000 times that of the electron's, they're ~1000 times more difficult to manipulate. You could use some rare-earth magnets to generate a stronger magnetic field, but those don't really scale up so well. This is an interesting concept, but there's several sizable engineering hurdles to overcome, in addition to those outlined in the article. And what do you need this for? I'm curious...
I would question this logic heavily, I am made up of many many protons (I haven't counted lately, but it's much more than 1000 still I think) and I am very easy to manipulate.Since the proton's mass is 1000 times that of the electron's, they're 1000 times more difficult to manipulate.
Do you prefer blackmail or extortion? ;) But yeah, of course, I meant "within a plasma". Dat phat proton gyroradius...I would question this logic heavily, I am made up of many many protons (I haven't counted lately, but it's much more than 1000 still I think) and I am very easy to manipulate.
Funneling Protium to Venus to be used to make light water. My idea is a sort of lense with a focal point within the Venusian atmosphere. If my thinking is right it should produce Methane and Water when reacting with the C02. If it is collectible only a few gallons a day would be needed to cover the needs of a cloud settlement as it would be recycled vigorously.
Well you're in luck! Venus has no magnetosphere to deflect the solar wind, only an induced ionopause. The solar wind is full of H+ ions, so I think that what you're trying to do is actually already happening to a degree (physics pun!). My guess is that the H+ recombines with solar wind electrons before it has enough interaction with the CO2 to tear it apart. You're really keen on that Venus colony, huh? Myself, I don't find the idea too feasible, but I hope I'm wrong.
They blow in then out with a net loss.
I just want a bunch of em in the same place. Terraforming is a fools errand I just want to see a permanent cloud colony that grows its own food and does science. [edit added phrase "and does science" there at the end]