What are Science nexuses?

[Gaussia]

So 4 new Mega Structures arrive with the new game. Ringworld and Dyson Spheres are previous concepts from Science Fiction. The Sentry array makes kinda sense as well.

That leaves the Science Nexus out. And "Just a whole lot of scientists and labs bounced together, but on a space station!" doesn't really cut it. Do anyone know if something have been said?
(and if it indeed is... just a lot of scientists on a space station... can we come up with something better that actually gives it a place as a some meaningful Mega Structure?)

(I know someone will say that a Dyson Sphere is just a lot of solar panels put together, but at least it is a cool thing)

 

[Gray_wolf1]

Well, I'm certain that someone else might know more, but i'll try to help.

From a lore perspective, imagine a giant quantum computer, with thousands of interfaces, like conventional (Keyboard and display) interfaces, digital wi-fi interfaces, and at least one potentially organic interface. It was mentioned somewhere about being able to "Integrate" or "Upload" one of your leader scientists into the mainframe of the Nexus. Cant remember where, though.

From a gameplay perspective, I caught a glimpse of a completed nexus giving out 50 science for each of the categories. I was watching the new video out on the Paradox YouTube channel, and someone wound up hovering their mouse over one in the feature breakdown.

That help?

 

[Stellaris Fan]

It produces massive amounts of science there are four parts with each you build more science.
(I think)

 

[Sibericus]

At 0:36

Just picture a planet sized supercomputer if that helps.

Apologies for the resolution.

 

[The Founder]

From a gamepaly prespective:
It gives science, without counting as Planet for Unity and Research cost purposes. That would put it ahead of even a habitat in output.
Keep in mind that all Megastructures are there for tall empires. A wide empire propably has more usefull Ascension perks to pick. They will propably only get them if they conquer them.

From a lore perspective? Not sure.
I guess "the Vault" from Star Trek Online is similar.

Actually something I wondered with the Teaser:

My first thought was "this soceity has uploaded thier brains into computers."
Later I realised that the star was not covered by clouds. But by a Dyson Sphere to produce power.
While we do get the option to turn organic pops into Synth pops, that would still be a far step from jsut uploading into computers. What if that is not a planet were are viewing from, but a Science Hub?

It could easily be a AI superprocessor. Mere habitats require Fortress and Battleship tech. A "requires 3 Ascension perks to be picked" level Perk, should be easily limited to high AI tech.

 

[Slynx]

Actually something I wondered with the Teaser:

resembles the background of the planets captured by AI uprising.
so maybe you're right.
even most perfect super computer will need energy to operate

 

[AndragonLea]

If I was guessing, I would expect the Science Nexus to be a combination of the following: a core made up of the most advanced and costly computer technology your empire could theoretically produce (more expensive than any one corporation would be able to fund "just for the science"), coupled with a communications array that connects (or possibly collects) all known information and databases from all of your planets, quarters and laboratories (some shared, some private) for the most eminent scientists of the time and a conglomeration of all the more expensive/rare and outlandish toys any mad scientist could ever hope to use.

A place that would have first dibs for any new system scans, strange artefacts and debris that your empire encounters and that would be able to collate, coordinate and accelerate the research of your scientists by having them all work together rather than the way we usually do it (each hiding their advances and theories in the hope of becoming the next Einstein or finding cold fusion or whatever ).

It's basically a mad scientists wet dream.

 

[The_Meme_Man]

I'd say a giant computer, but considering tech gets smaller over time, it could simply be a giant lab facility. Chambers to contain controlled energy bursts, testing facilities for biological or sociological experiments, containment for diseases and xenomorphs, living quarters for the scientists, observatories, simulators, ect.

Basically it contains everything a scientist would want.

 

[Elfwind]

Technological Singularity bound to Quantum computers or a Quantum brain*

*individuals possessing quantum brains have god-like power.

 

[The Founder]

resembles the background of the planets captured by AI uprising.
so maybe you're right.
even most perfect super computer will need energy to operate

I never had the AI Rebellion, so I did not know.
What if the design of your cities changes towards that when you go T2 Technological Ascension? It could make sense that your old "biological" style(s) no longer apply.

Indeed they still need power. Indeed the best argument for a AI Rebellion I have heard thus far was: "Organics use energy ineffectively. If the galaxy is doomed for Entropy anyway, but organics are only accelerating the time until it will happen. Ridding the universe of organics would mean there was 'more fuel' left for the effective AI lifestyle."