The Hoopworld is right on the edge of the possible, but according to my research the science isn't pure fantasy.
A
Hoopworld would be a structure that would place humans on the outside
surface of a giant spinning torus, or donut. A Hoopworld could
potentially have many different shapes, depending on the length of the
revolution axis and the radius of the circle being revolved.
Different-shaped tori would also affect gravity, the day-and-night
cycle, and weather conditions.
The hoop would be spun along the
axis of revolution to produce gravity and stabilization, and to provide
night and day to different areas on the torus. Gravity would first
depend on the amount of mass on the interior of the hoop, and would
likely require an active support structure. Second, since the hoop would
be spinning, centrifugal force would cause stronger gravity on the
inner equator, since you’d be pulled toward the outside of the hoop in
the direction of the ground. The outer equator would have less gravity,
since you’d be pulled toward the outside of the hoop in the direction of
the sky.
Tipping the torus toward or away from the sun would
create seasons, affect weather, and could create a wide variety of
climates over different parts of the torus’ surface.
And if you like this sort of artwork, please check out my new book project "Megastructures: The Visual Encyclopedia" here:
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