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arXiv · 2608.10800

Radiative Signatures from Warp Drives Traveling Through the Earth's Atmosphere

Shaun David Brocus Fell·Abraham Loeb
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Abstract

We investigate the observable signatures of zero ADM mass warp drive spacetimes traversing Earth's atmosphere. Numerical simulations indicate that an aircraft-scale spacetime bubble moving at relativistic velocities would have a pronounced observational signature, where interaction with the atmosphere can produce luminosities exceeding one terawatt. The signature of a spacetime bubble at rest or moving at low velocity relative to the Earth would not generate such extreme luminosities. These results establish observational constraints on spacetime-based propulsion operating within the terrestrial environment and provide a framework for identifying potential high-velocity signatures. In particular, a warp drive traveling through the atmosphere at speeds exceeding approximately 10% of the speed of light would produce a unique brilliant glow.

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Shaun David Brocus Fell, Abraham Loeb. 2026-08-11. Radiative Signatures from Warp Drives Traveling Through the Earth's Atmosphere. https://arxiv.org/abs/2608.10800

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