On Sat, Sep 26, 2015 at 3:54 AM, Rob O'Connor <xxxxxx@ozemail.com.au> wrote:
> Kurt Feltenberger wrote:
>> If you wanted to observe a planet without being seen...
>
> What does 'observe a planet' mean?
> Continuous coverage of the entire surface needs multiple observers in
> different positions.
>
> Continuous coverage of a region requires a synchronous orbit, which is
> pretty close to a planet by Traveller standards.
>
> Etc.
>
>> assuming you had a stealthy enough ship...
>
> Depends on the rule set and its tech assumptions.
>
> For Traveller, electromagnetic masking with an overall volume of less than
> 100 displacement tons seems a good starting point.
>
> You are limited by how you want to observe the planet.
> Electromagnetic spectrum only?
> Neutrino emissions?
> Gravity waves?
> What resolution is required?
>
> Is aperture synthesis possible to improve resolution?
> How long are we allowed to watch the planet before integrating data?
> (consider exposure time effects in astronomy).
>
>
> Then: what sensor tech does the target have?

Everything Rob asked, plus, are the locals actively LOOKING for you?

If they are, are they looking for you because you're criminals/owe
them money, or are they simply being vigilant for threats and may spot
you by accident if your profile matches their threat profile?

--
"Any sufficiently advanced parody is indistinguishable from a genuine
kook." -Alan Morgan