[krashnburn200]

my math suggests something approximating the size of a star could achieve fusion by using only gravity for containment.

I wouldn't want to stand too close to that sucker though.

[pavlov]

If someone had built such an object, say 10,000 light years away, what would it look like to us?

[krashnburn200]

nothing for 10,000 years - however long ago they built it.

[analognoise]

I read this as such dry humor, I have to ask if you are English.

[krashnburn200]

Texan

[k__]

but aren't stars varying extremely in size?

[wolrah]

> but aren't stars varying extremely in size?

Woosh.

A star is a fusion reactor using only gravity for containment.

[photogrammetry]

Well, they're only just barely contained. Things spew out radiation like nobody's business.