Dyson sphere

Noun

Dyson sphere (plural Dyson spheres)

1. A hypothetical system of orbiting solar power satellites meant to completely encompass a star and capture its entire energy output.
   • To the public, he’s more famous for giving science fiction the “Dyson Sphere,” a hypothetical structure a future civilization could build to harness the entire power of its sun.2020 March 2, Katie Mack, “Freeman Dyson’s Quest for Eternal Life”, in The New York Times, →ISSN

   Synonyms:

   Dyson swarm

2. A solid shell of matter enclosing a star.
   • "But there's more to a Dyson sphere than collecting solar power.
     "Say you make the sphere one astronomical unit in radius. You've got to clear out the solar system anyway, so you use all the solar planets in the construction. That gives you a shell of, say, chrome steel a few yards thick. Now you...1970 October, Larry Niven, Ringworld, →ISBN, page 106
   • Aye, an actual Dyson sphere. Can you imagine the engineering skills needed to even design such a structure?1992 October 12, Ronald D. Moore, “Relics”, in Star Trek: The Next Generation, season 7, episode 4, spoken by Scotty (James Doohan)