Newcomer / Intro What are you up to?

This freaked me out on arrival at the blackhole primary star that these two neutron stars are in fast and close orbit around. There are 3 other neutron stars in the system and nothing else.
Boesky AA-A g89 A no far from Colonia in the Festival Grounds region.

GIX35q5.jpg
 
This freaked me out on arrival at the blackhole primary star that these two neutron stars are in fast and close orbit around. There are 3 other neutron stars in the system and nothing else.
Boesky AA-A g89 A no far from Colonia in the Festival Grounds region.

GIX35q5.jpg
WOW!

Must have been an ‘interesting’ spectacle when all six of them transitioned from conventional stars to what is there now.
 
I just asked the AI bot VhatGPT to roleplay a mission give in Elite Dangerous and give me goals for a mission from Colonia to the western edge of the galaxy.
How do you think chatGPT did?
Here is what it told me:

Greetings, Commander! I am Commander Lennox, an experienced explorer and representative of the Colonia Council. We have an exciting mission for you that will take you to the western edge of the Milky Way galaxy, far beyond the reaches of known space. Are you ready to embark on a journey of discovery?

Exploration Goal:
Your primary objective is to chart and document unexplored star systems along your route from Colonia to the western edge of the galaxy. We have reason to believe that this region holds uncharted wonders and celestial phenomena waiting to be discovered. Your task is to survey these systems, scan stellar bodies, and gather data on valuable astronomical features, such as black holes, neutron stars, and rare planetary compositions. We need detailed stellar cartography of this unexplored region to expand our knowledge and share it with the galactic community.

Exobiology Goal:
In addition to your exploration duties, we have an exobiology objective for you to pursue. As you travel through uncharted space, keep an eye out for any signs of unique or unidentified life forms. Scan planets, moons, and other celestial bodies for biological signals, organic compounds, or any indications of microbial or complex life. If you encounter any promising leads, collect samples and document your findings. Remember, you could be the first to discover extraterrestrial life on this monumental journey!

Mission Duration and Rewards:
Given the vast distance and challenges involved, this mission is estimated to take approximately three weeks to complete, depending on your exploration speed and detours. Upon successful completion, you will be rewarded handsomely with a substantial sum of credits, depending on the quality and quantity of data collected. Additionally, your discoveries will contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge, granting you recognition among the galactic exploration community.

Remember, Commander, the vast unknown awaits you on this daring expedition. May the stars guide you as you venture into uncharted territories, unravel the mysteries of the cosmos, and perhaps stumble upon life forms that will redefine our understanding of the universe. Fly safe and make history!
 
Well, I succeeded in getting 1 Caustic Tissue sample. It was a bit messy, but I got one at last.

I was hyperdicted by a Glaive on the way to the Maelstrom, and could not escape it.

I did try the "instant silent running" trick which can make the Glaive not detect you, but I was too slow or something because the Glaive detected me immediately, and shut down my FSD so I could not do anything. I didn't see any way to re-enable the FSD. Sorry folks but I logged out to main menu (legally, with the 15 second timer).

When I logged back in my ship was damaged, but I was able to mostly repair it with limpets.

So I continued, still 2 jumps to go because I didn't actually get anywhere the first time. This time I was not hyperdicted and made it to the Taranis system.

In system, on the way to the Maelstrom I was interdicted by some kind of Interceptor, but not a Glaive. I was able to outrun it, and entered the Maelstrom instance sloppily, doing some hull damage in the process.

But I was far enough from the center that there was no caustic damage, which gave me a couple minutes to scout around.

I picked a Caustic Generator that looked close, and which I hoped would not be completely surrounded by caustic damage areas.

I started taking caustic damage when I approached it, but it was fairly slow. My decon limpet helped some. I was able to target and scan the Generator, and launched a research limpet.

At this point I backed off a bit, but stayed within 2000m so the research limpet could do its thing. It is SO slow. I was taking damage, but not too fast, and I managed to avoid most of the clouds I think.

Anyway, the research limpet eventually returned with the sample, and I even remembered to lower my cargo scoop.

Once I had the sample, I flew quickly away from the center of the Maelstrom, and reached clean space with no caustics.

I still had 2 jumps to get back to my carrier, so I repaired as best I could and went for it.

I was not hyperdicted on the way back (luck was with me this time) and arrived at my carrier intact (although I was still taking caustic damage). I landed safely and transferred the sample to my carrier successfully.

Geez, that was a nail-biter. And I have to do it at least 4 more times, which means I'll need to be lucky a lot more! :p

3309-05-27 13-45-08 Hyades Sector HB-N b7-1-Hyades Sector HB-N b7-1.jpg
 
Well, I succeeded in getting 1 Caustic Tissue sample. It was a bit messy, but I got one at last.

I was hyperdicted by a Glaive on the way to the Maelstrom, and could not escape it.

I did try the "instant silent running" trick which can make the Glaive not detect you, but I was too slow or something because the Glaive detected me immediately, and shut down my FSD so I could not do anything. I didn't see any way to re-enable the FSD. Sorry folks but I logged out to main menu (legally, with the 15 second timer).

When I logged back in my ship was damaged, but I was able to mostly repair it with limpets.

So I continued, still 2 jumps to go because I didn't actually get anywhere the first time. This time I was not hyperdicted and made it to the Taranis system.

In system, on the way to the Maelstrom I was interdicted by some kind of Interceptor, but not a Glaive. I was able to outrun it, and entered the Maelstrom instance sloppily, doing some hull damage in the process.

But I was far enough from the center that there was no caustic damage, which gave me a couple minutes to scout around.

I picked a Caustic Generator that looked close, and which I hoped would not be completely surrounded by caustic damage areas.

I started taking caustic damage when I approached it, but it was fairly slow. My decon limpet helped some. I was able to target and scan the Generator, and launched a research limpet.

At this point I backed off a bit, but stayed within 2000m so the research limpet could do its thing. It is SO slow. I was taking damage, but not too fast, and I managed to avoid most of the clouds I think.

Anyway, the research limpet eventually returned with the sample, and I even remembered to lower my cargo scoop.

Once I had the sample, I flew quickly away from the center of the Maelstrom, and reached clean space with no caustics.

I still had 2 jumps to get back to my carrier, so I repaired as best I could and went for it.

I was not hyperdicted on the way back (luck was with me this time) and arrived at my carrier intact (although I was still taking caustic damage). I landed safely and transferred the sample to my carrier successfully.

Geez, that was a nail-biter. And I have to do it at least 4 more times, which means I'll need to be lucky a lot more! :p

View attachment 356935
My record is 2 samples without a Caustic Sink Launcher installed, and 4 plus a few other Maelstrom materials with one installed and lots of prior practice. The first few trips did have some complete failures among them. Pat yourself on the back for getting one!
 
Well, I succeeded in getting 1 Caustic Tissue sample. It was a bit messy, but I got one at last.

I was hyperdicted by a Glaive on the way to the Maelstrom, and could not escape it.

I did try the "instant silent running" trick which can make the Glaive not detect you, but I was too slow or something because the Glaive detected me immediately, and shut down my FSD so I could not do anything. I didn't see any way to re-enable the FSD. Sorry folks but I logged out to main menu (legally, with the 15 second timer).

When I logged back in my ship was damaged, but I was able to mostly repair it with limpets.

So I continued, still 2 jumps to go because I didn't actually get anywhere the first time. This time I was not hyperdicted and made it to the Taranis system.

In system, on the way to the Maelstrom I was interdicted by some kind of Interceptor, but not a Glaive. I was able to outrun it, and entered the Maelstrom instance sloppily, doing some hull damage in the process.

But I was far enough from the center that there was no caustic damage, which gave me a couple minutes to scout around.

I picked a Caustic Generator that looked close, and which I hoped would not be completely surrounded by caustic damage areas.

I started taking caustic damage when I approached it, but it was fairly slow. My decon limpet helped some. I was able to target and scan the Generator, and launched a research limpet.

At this point I backed off a bit, but stayed within 2000m so the research limpet could do its thing. It is SO slow. I was taking damage, but not too fast, and I managed to avoid most of the clouds I think.

Anyway, the research limpet eventually returned with the sample, and I even remembered to lower my cargo scoop.

Once I had the sample, I flew quickly away from the center of the Maelstrom, and reached clean space with no caustics.

I still had 2 jumps to get back to my carrier, so I repaired as best I could and went for it.

I was not hyperdicted on the way back (luck was with me this time) and arrived at my carrier intact (although I was still taking caustic damage). I landed safely and transferred the sample to my carrier successfully.

Geez, that was a nail-biter. And I have to do it at least 4 more times, which means I'll need to be lucky a lot more! :p

View attachment 356935
Congrats! Sounds hairy...
 
I'm getting a bit better at this, I think. I now have 3 samples -- 2 to go.

Steps to take:
1) Once you drop into the Maelstrom instance, immediately fly away from the center (put the compass in the middle, with a hollow circle). Once you get about 100km from the center, there is no more caustic damage. This was the most important concept, for me. Without doing this you start taking damage right away and don't last long in there.
2) Once you escape the caustic area, repair and decontaminate as needed
3) There are patrolling Thargoids, but I kept my heat down (my ship runs around 17% heat, but I still pop a heatsink if I see or hear a nearby Thargoid). So far, so good.
4) Check the very edges of the Maelstrom cloud to find a Caustic Generator that is not too deep in the clouds.
5) Approach the Generator until you can target it and scan it with the Enhanced Xeno Scanner (pop a decon limpet if you start taking damage, and try to avoid flying through any green stuff).
6) Target the research limpet sub-target, and fire the Research Limpet. Back off, but stay within 2000km, and wait for the operation to complete. Continue to avoid green areas, and use a decon limpet if you do start taking damage.
7) Open cargo hatch, wait for tissue sample to be loaded onboard
8) Close cargo hatch, and get out of the Maelstrom clouds again, repair if needed, and jump away.

Of course you can be hyperdicted or interdicted and attacked on the way to and from the Maelstrom system. Run away and hope you escape without too much damage :)

Screenshot 2023-05-27 101552.jpg
 
I'm assuming you have your carrier with you? There's a lot of unexplored systems out that way, it's one of my favorite spots.
No, the carrier is jumping back to the bubble as mineral prices are bad on the market right now and trading is good. I have an alt account in the carrier to refuel it and this account role is trade.
6000ly outside the bubble is the farthest I've taken it. Not sure I ever want to drag it to Colonia.
That nebula Quain is in has lots of unexplored systems. Usually nebula are fully explored. It's close enough to Colonia to use that as a base to explore the Festival Grounds for sure.
 
Because the planet is held above the ship by a single thread?
It feels like it 🤣
I'm getting a bit better at this, I think. I now have 3 samples -- 2 to go.

Steps to take:
1) Once you drop into the Maelstrom instance, immediately fly away from the center (put the compass in the middle, with a hollow circle). Once you get about 100km from the center, there is no more caustic damage. This was the most important concept, for me. Without doing this you start taking damage right away and don't last long in there.
2) Once you escape the caustic area, repair and decontaminate as needed
3) There are patrolling Thargoids, but I kept my heat down (my ship runs around 17% heat, but I still pop a heatsink if I see or hear a nearby Thargoid). So far, so good.
4) Check the very edges of the Maelstrom cloud to find a Caustic Generator that is not too deep in the clouds.
5) Approach the Generator until you can target it and scan it with the Enhanced Xeno Scanner (pop a decon limpet if you start taking damage, and try to avoid flying through any green stuff).
6) Target the research limpet sub-target, and fire the Research Limpet. Back off, but stay within 2000km, and wait for the operation to complete. Continue to avoid green areas, and use a decon limpet if you do start taking damage.
7) Open cargo hatch, wait for tissue sample to be loaded onboard
8) Close cargo hatch, and get out of the Maelstrom clouds again, repair if needed, and jump away.

Of course you can be hyperdicted or interdicted and attacked on the way to and from the Maelstrom system. Run away and hope you escape without too much damage :)

View attachment 356944
That sounds right to me. Knowing how to get out the Maelstrom quickly and escape it's mass lock is pretty important.
 
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