Any idea what this is for on the Anaconda?

They are the harpoons for catching the T9! The Anaconda is currently the only vessel strong and heavy enough to catch and then tire out a T9.

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Rumour has it that the answer involves the Orca, though there have also been reports of wild Anacondas molesting Majestic-class Interdictors.

Molesting, or being spawned from?
 
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They are the harpoons for catching the T9! The Anaconda is currently the only vessel strong and heavy enough to catch and then tire out a T9.

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Molesting, or being spawned from?

I don't think these things could birth an Anaconda. Anything up to Asp size, sure. I molested one a while back to find out.

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Guys, while we're at it, what are those antennas on the lower front for?

This is your Satellite Dish for 33rd century Holovision.

About the other Ahem, pointy thingy, that's definitely an obsolete 15th century targeting system in case your electronics fail (Typical conversation: Crew: All ammunition has been depleted. Captain: Prepare for ramming speed!)
 
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It's the hood-ornament, dummy! But for reals, there are a couple of them (one is on the roof of the bridge) so I figure some ornamental sensor thingamabob to look at.
 
I believe the proper nautical term is jackstaff

The ship is what? 400+ meters long? That would make that thingy about 2 meters or so high, just right for a pennant but, in space it can't wave in the breeze! Given its construction when viewed from as close as I can get, it bears a resemblance to the fancy data gathering devices found on the noses of many experimental aircraft so, a very expensive Pitot tube?
 
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Is the Conda even capable of atmospheric landings? Those Ikea shelf brackets supporting the upper hull would rip right off. As would the elevator control terminal above the bridge.
 
The ship is what? 400+ meters long? That would make that thingy about 2 meters or so high, just right for a pennant but, in space it can't wave in the breeze!
Holding the jack wasn't its only function though. Being on the bow, it was also used to help steer the ship.

I don't have an accurate side view, but being elevated as it is, the ball at the top of the jackstaff could mean to be sighted from the bridge. If the line it makes, from the top of the jackstaff to the bridge, is parallel with the stem of the ship it makes sense. As others have said, it could be an aiming device - not for weapons, but to help point the ship.
 
Is the Conda even capable of atmospheric landings? Those Ikea shelf brackets supporting the upper hull would rip right off. As would the elevator control terminal above the bridge.

Shields will probably be mandatory for all but the smallest ships for atmospheric insertion.
 
It actually used to be a massive horn. Interstellar cowboys go out in their Cobras, Vipers, etc., and hunt down wild Anacondas. Once they find one they chase it until it is exhausted, and then catch it by lassoing this horn with their Interdiction tethers. They then haul it back to their orbital corrals, trim this horn back (it is dangerous, as it is long and sharp), and then set to work taming the Anaconda. Once it is tame and trained they can then be sold onto the ship builders (you didn't think they made the Anaconda, did you?), and then take a break before starting out again. A really good cowboy can catch, tame and train 4 Anacondas an Earth year. As tame Anacondas don't breed (nobody has yet found why, or can even work out HOW they breed) this is the only way to get Anacondas.

You mean I have been killing an endangered species?! Just for lousy credits....I didn't even know....(sheds man tear)
 
I think when we have space legs we will be able to go out on to the top deck and try and throw rings or horseshoes on it.

Edit - or maybe reconstruct that scene from the Titanic on it.
 
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It is the magical staff of doomishness that hast wrought the instant transfer of ships into the galaxy whenceforth it sprung. From.
 
The ship is what? 400+ meters long? That would make that thingy about 2 meters or so high, just right for a pennant but, in space it can't wave in the breeze! Given its construction when viewed from as close as I can get, it bears a resemblance to the fancy data gathering devices found on the noses of many experimental aircraft so, a very expensive Pitot tube?

Course it can, there are small jets built into the Jackstaff that blow the flag.

The one mentioned on the bridge is for flying signal flags from.

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Holding the jack wasn't its only function though. Being on the bow, it was also used to help steer the ship.

I don't have an accurate side view, but being elevated as it is, the ball at the top of the jackstaff could mean to be sighted from the bridge. If the line it makes, from the top of the jackstaff to the bridge, is parallel with the stem of the ship it makes sense. As others have said, it could be an aiming device - not for weapons, but to help point the ship.

Just so I line the tip of it up with the line from the navigational target on the HUD when jumping into wytch space, it helps make sure I don't hit the edge of the tube.

For other examples of using the Jackstaff in navigation I offer up the John Wayne film "Blood Alley".
 
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Pretty obviously a vibrating ram prow to ensure maximum on-the-nosedness for this over stocked, outsized, overcompensation device.
 
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