The Pillars (Structure)/IF-20.508

Falling Pillar

ENTRY NAME :

The Falling Pillar

SUBJECT TYPE :

Object / Landmark

KEYWORDS :

Pillar, Falling, Drop, Anomaly

LOCATION :

Located at ███,████, approximately 18 km ████ of Breakbridge. [LOCATION REDACTED ON REQUEST OF DOWN]

DESCRIPTION :

The Falling Pillar is a smooth, continuous metallic rod 1.65 meters in diameter descending at terminal velocity (approximately ████ km/h). Measurements indicate it is aligned perfectly vertically, falling from and into holes with less than 1 centimeter of clearance, with no measurable variance in centering or diameter. Spectral analysis and limited physical samples suggest it is composed of a relatively mundane alloy of Tungsten.

On initial discovery, it was believed to be stationary, but upon closer inspection, the sound of air rushing against the surface could be heard. Touching it almost instantly resulted in the discoverers being swept into the ground, suffering intense friction burns. As a result, protective fences were erected to prevent accidental physical contact, as well as to prevent visitors from being pulled in by the constant downwards air currents that the Pillar's movement produces.

It is unclear if the Pillar has a terminus. Current theories posit that the Pillar is either infinitely long, a closed loop, or somehow being manufactured at its top, wherever that might be. None of these theories are liked by the researchers involved, due to the Core's cultural distaste for infinities. Efforts to probe the depths of its exit or heights of its entry universally make unintentional contact with the Pillar at some point, leading to the near immediate destruction of the probe.

Attempts to harness the falling pillar for power generation have been universally unsuccessful, and are expressly forbidden by DOWN, as a result of damages sustained to both equipment and personnel. Experiments into this had attempted to press dynamo drive wheels against the Pillar. However, no currently known materials are able to withstand the high speeds and temperatures involved, with the most recent and final attempt resulting in severe injuries to all present.

Additional Names :

No other names have been noted.