How to attack a Dyson Sphere…and Win

Updated 6 May 2023

Dyson Spheres are structures, or more correctly described as a megastructure, that completely encloses a star to harness all of its energy. Our Dyson Sphere AlienLog™ follows developments in our knowledge of this theoretical possibility. We believe that if an alien race has the capability to build a Dyson Sphere then they will be looking for conquest and resource extraction. Now is the time to find ways to push back this alien force and make humanity safe.

Introduction to Dyson Spheres

Dyson Spheres are alien made megastructures. We look at current developments in our Dyson Sphere AlienLog™. The scientific community discovered the possibility of these space structures as far back as the 1930's. In the utopian scientific mind, a Dyson Sphere is a friendly vehicle that travels from galaxy to galaxy greeting new worlds and sharing their knowledge with alien races. Wrong! 

It is inconceivable that an alien races that is wealthy and powerful enough to build this fantastical structure are building spheres for altruistic purposes. The real motivation is the universal truth; Power and greed. Once a dominant species has taken authoritarian control of its neighbourhood and resources, they will seek to secure their control and then expand their boundaries.

Let us hope for our sakes, that this alien race only has the capability to physically build and operate one Dyson Sphere. The resource control can grow exponentially, more greed and more control. This will invariably lead to the leader proudly announcing another innovation, a fleet of Dyson Spheres.

Humanity needs to prepare now; Even before we have discovered that one actually exists. Although a Dyson Sphere has not been positively identified, there are efforts to search for possible sightings. Kickstarter recently had a fully funded project to investigate a potential Dyson Sphere, cheekily called Tobby's Star. Think of the planet hunters. It took decades for them to find one planet out of our solar system. Now, scientists are discovering hundreds of planets a day. It may be too late when we finally find one. If it is in range to see a Dyson Sphere, and obvious enough for the flat-earthers to stop denying their existence, then it may be too late.

And that my friends begs the question... When a power-hungry alien species comes knocking on our doorstep and looks to take everything that we hold dear, what should we do? We need to plan, build capability and fight back. There is no way that humanity should stand and accept defeat to near-god like alien races. At worst, we should look to give a good sting and make it think twice before enveloping our race.

Ways to attack a Dyson Sphere

Before we jump the proverbial stellar-gun we need to identify all the possible different ways to attack a Dyson Sphere. Not all will be good options but practical options needs to be considered. Classical military doctrine give guidance on typically ways a response to an invasion by a belligerent Dyson Sphere.

Direct physical attack  Aliens could launch a direct physical attack on the Dyson Sphere with powerful weapons, such as lasers or particle beams, to destroy or damage the structure.

Cyber attack  Aliens could launch a cyber attack on the Dyson Sphere's systems and infrastructure, compromising its control and navigation systems or causing a power failure.

Biological attack  Aliens could launch a biological attack on the inhabitants of the Dyson Sphere, either by infecting them with a deadly virus or unleashing genetically modified

Sabotage  Aliens could infiltrate the Dyson Sphere and sabotage its systems from the inside, causing damage or chaos.

Energy Drain  Aliens could attempt to siphon off energy from the Dyson Sphere, depriving the inhabitants of power and potentially causing the structure to fail.

Stellar Manipulation  Aliens could manipulate the star that the Dyson Sphere is built around, causing it to emit more or less energy, disrupting the delicate balance that allows the structure to function.

Lessons learnt from Science Fiction

As humanity embarks on the ambitious endeavor of constructing a Dyson Sphere, it is crucial to consider the potential threats that could arise. While we have never encountered an alien race capable of attacking such a structure, science fiction can provide valuable insights into potential risks and defenses.

Firstly, it is important to recognize that a Dyson Sphere is not invulnerable. In Larry Niven's "Ringworld," the titular structure is protected by an impenetrable shield, yet the protagonist manages to bypass it through a clever trick involving a miniature black hole. This highlights the need for layered defenses, rather than relying on a single impregnable barrier.

Secondly, communication and cooperation among different factions on the Dyson Sphere are crucial. In "Battlestar Galactica," the survivors of a human civilization attacked by a Cylon armada must band together to defend themselves. Similarly, in "Ender's Game," humanity is saved from an alien attack by the brilliant tactics of a young military strategist. These examples underscore the importance of a cohesive defense strategy that involves all stakeholders.

Thirdly, it is essential to keep abreast of emerging technologies and be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances. In "Independence Day," humanity successfully repels a massive alien invasion by reverse-engineering their technology and devising a counterattack. Similarly, in "War of the Worlds," the protagonists outwit the Martians by exploiting their lack of immunity to Earth's microbes. This highlights the need for innovative thinking and agility in responding to unexpected threats.

Lastly, it is vital to remain vigilant and proactive in monitoring potential threats. In "Star Trek: The Next Generation," the Federation maintains a neutral zone to detect and intercept potential enemy incursions. Similarly, in "Ender's Game," the protagonist is trained to identify and neutralize potential threats before they become actualized. These examples emphasize the importance of foresight and preemptive action.

Experts undertand that science fiction can offer valuable lessons for protecting a Dyson Sphere from alien attacks. By implementing layered defenses, fostering communication and cooperation, adapting to emerging technologies, and remaining vigilant and proactive, humanity can increase its chances of successfully defending this vital structure. The stakes are high, but with the right strategy and mindset, we can ensure the continued survival of our species.