New member writes...

johnwhills@... wrote:

> Dear Space Settlers,
>
> My name is John and I am a new member. I agree that if one weighs up
> the pros and cons of space colonies against planetary surface
> colonisation, the colonies win hands down.
>
> But there is one problem that is getting to me but I'm sure you guys
> have already figured it out.
>
> If my Maths is correct, a colonies 'floor' rotating about 100 metres
> from its axis would have a rotation speed of about 30 metres per
> second, this is remarkably fast.

Not really, it's about 112km/hour, I've been known to go about that
fast on my way home from work.

> If one was to walk against the
> direction of orbital motion, surely their strides would be
> unmanageably large due to the combined effect on the rotating floor
> and their own movement.

Not at all. It would appear completely normal. The rotating floor
is much heavier than them, so wouldn't move. And they are moving
with the floor, in the same way that you move with the floor in
a plane or coach

> The only thing I can think of is friction by the ground on the other
> foot. Also, what if they jumped in the air?

They'd go up, about as far as they would on earth, and they'd come
back down again basically where they jumped from. No fuss, no
magic; no feeling of oddness because the ground is going at the
same speed they are. It would feel just like it would on earth.

Next time you are in a car moving along a road, I suggest you throw
something up an inch or two- you'll notice it lands right
back in your hand- provided the car is going at a constant speed
it will show no inclination to head for the back seat at all.

> How will people in these colonies get from A to B?

Walk, cycle or drive. More or less normal, although driving can
give some odd effects if you drive too fast.

> Any response would be much appreciated.
>
> John

--
- Ian Woollard (ian.woollard@...)

"Is a planetary surface the right place for an expanding
technological civilization?"
- Gerard O'Neill