Hypothetical genetically-engineered plant capable of growing inside a comet From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A Dyson tree is a hypothetical genetically engineeredplant (perhaps resembling a tree) capable of growing inside a comet, suggested by the physicist Freeman Dyson.[1][2][3] Plants may be able to produce a breathable atmosphere within the hollow spaces of the comet (or maybe even within the plants themselves), utilising solar energy for photosynthesis and cometary materials for nutrients, thus providing self-sustaininghabitats for humanity in the outer solar system analogous to a greenhouse in space, a shell grown by a mollusc or the actions of thermogenic plants, such as the skunk cabbage or the voodoo lily.[4]
A Dyson tree might consist of a few main trunk structures growing out from a comet nucleus, branching into limbs and foliage that intertwine, forming a spherical structure possibly dozens of kilometers across.
Dyson trees are mentioned a number of times in science fiction, beginning in the 1980s:
One of the first adoptions of the trope is Rachel Pollack's Tree House (1984).[5]
The concept is discussed in Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan's 1985 non-fiction book Comet, and several paintings of Dyson trees around Saturn and in interstellar space are provided in the book by Jon Lomberg.[6]
Under the name of "Space Poplars", Dyson trees are described in Donald Moffitt's two science fiction novels, The Genesis Quest and Second Genesis. Here they are used as both habitats and spacecraft, propelled by reflective outer leaves used as organic solar sails.[8][9]
In the Orion's Armshared universe (established 2000), Dyson trees and Dyson tree "forests" are called orwoods; these have been established in a number of star systems throughout terragen space.[11][12] The word "Orwood" in this context was originally coined by Anders Sandberg.[13][failed verification]
Eclipse Phase Second Editionroleplaying game references the Dyson tree as an example of a Biological Habitat.
In the Tenchi Muyo OVA series, the Jurai utilize trees that can live in space as ships, and in the temple of the goddess-like character Tokimi, a giant tree whose roots encompass a planet can be seen.[15]
In The Dirty Pair series, the episode "Run From the Future" is set on the Nimkasi habitat, an outlaw habitat that is a Dyson tree.[16]
The video game Eufloria is based on the Dyson tree concept.[17]
Drashner, Todd; Sandberg, Anders; Kazlev, M. Alan (20 November 2001). "Dyson Trees". Orion's Arm - Encyclopedia Galactica. Archived from the original on 7 December 2022. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
Kazlev, M. Alan (17 December 2001). "Orwoods". Orion's Arm - Encyclopedia Galactica. Archived from the original on 9 December 2022. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
Artist's concept of a spherical Dyson tree
