So, do you think we'll see cloaks of invisibility in our lifetime?

[Storyteller01]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061019/ap_on_sc/cloak_of_invisibility

I'm not a science guru, but it seems like we might be enroute. Anyone know anything about this, or might be able to shed some light on the physics involved?

 

[Felix]

I suppose it matters what it costs, but a cloak of invisibility just isn't balanced. I wouldn't allow it.

 

[Bardsandsages]

Damnit all! I told them to work on the bag of holding first! *sigh* Nobody listens to me...

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

We'll never see a cloak of invisibility.

That's the whole point.

 

[EyeontheMountain]

Sure, I have already done so, every time I watch Harry Potter.

BTW, how far off topic is this thread anyway? In meters.

 

[Storyteller01]

I'm in california, and I think I heard of a sighting in new jersey...

 

[Nyeshet]

Seriously, for a change . . .

I think we will see jets that can cloak themselves from radar in our life time. I think we might - towards the end of our lifespans - see planes or perhaps even tanks that can cloak themselves from sight (ie: has a hard / predetermined shape).

I do not think we will see a cloth garment that has such properties in our lifetimes. Maybe our great-grandchildren, prior to their death due to old age, will see such - maybe. But if such is ever actually created, I imagine it will be more like the Predator suit - with all its limitations (ie: appears as a blur rather than true invisibility while the wearer is moving, it is a firm body suit / armor, not a soft / draping cloth, etc). And, as stated, it will likely come out sometime between 2200 and 2400.

 

[Dracorat]

We'll never see a cloak of invisibility.

That's the whole point.

Besides, how could they prove such a thing exists?

Behold, the invisible cloak

OOOoooo AAAaaaaahh

[...]

 

[RangerWickett]

It's first application will be to provide a new wardrobe for the emperor of . . . well darn, what country still has an emperor?

 

[WayneLigon]

I'm not a science guru, but it seems like we might be enroute. Anyone know anything about this, or might be able to shed some light on the physics involved?

The physics is pretty simple. The only reason you see anything at all is the scattering of light reflecting off an object. Create something that interferes with that and you reduce it's visibility. The really hard part is making it 'transparent': making sure it doesn't block light from other sources.

I would think it possible and probable within the next ten.. unless we hit a snag on the 'last mile', that irritating little problem that prevents the thing from being anything but a curiosity. More than likely, we'll have something that grants a circumstance bonus to concealment.