“Dyson Spheres” are theoretical megastructures which surround entire stars to harness the solar energy being emitted.
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The concept of Dyson spheres comes from thought experiments that attempt to explain how a hypothetical advanced civilization would meet energy requirements, given limited resources on planets.
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Freeman Dyson popularized the idea of Dyson spheres in his 1960 paper, "Search for Artificial Stellar Sources of Infrared Radiation". He reasoned that an advanced technological society would eventually produce technology capable of harnessing the energy of stars in order to meet increasing energy demands of the civilization.
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In theory, one method of detecting advanced, intelligent, extraterrestrial civilizations in outer space would be to search for structures resembling Dyson spheres surrounding stars.
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Herein, we outline the concept of Dyson spheres, discuss the feasibility of building such a structure, point out flaws or barriers in designing these devices, and make a few jokes about vacuums.