Context: https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/uruuh8/if_spaceships_actually_shot_lasers_in_space/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share
In: 0
In theory, laser beams can be made to continue in a beam of constant diameter for infinite distance. Think of it like two parallel lines, representing both sides of the beam.
In practice, they will disperse. Those two lines will not be perfectly parallel. Even if you imagine those lines converging, they will meet at a focus point, and diverge from then.
Given the enormous distances in space, this does not require much of an angle between the two lines.
This all assumes a perfect vacuum. Add *any* atmosphere and you will induce scattering.
Latest Answers