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Stopping Killer Asteroids
Drog writes "Earth has had a few near misses with asteroids recently (although "near hits" would be more accurate). It's just a matter of time, though, before we detect one with our name on it. In this New York Times article, experts discuss the various ways that we might go about saving our planet. Remarkably, nuclear detonations are not a good option, as they would break the asteroid into many pieces and merely increase our odds of being hit. And a detonation some distance away may simply be absorbed by the asteroid with virtually no effect. Instead, say scientists who study asteroid hazards, a gentle sustained push is what's needed (slow and steady wins the race). Some of the approaches have been discussed in science fiction for years--a mass driver, an electromagnetic machine which hurls dirt from the surface, an orbiting parabolic mirror to heat up the surface and create a plume of vaporized material. All of these methods require one thing, however. Time. At least several decades warning."
Did anybody else here read the headline as "Stopping Killer Steroids"? I can't wait to get home and sleep :P
And please forward this to 20 of your closest friends
There was a man from Earth, true story, who didn't forward this, and he died. Do you really want that to happen to you? If not, please FORWARD THIS EMAIL!!!
Anonymous Cowards filtered. If their words aren't worth so much as a pen name why should I value them any more?
When did "nom de plume" get the axe?
Lack of eloquence does not denote lack of intelligence, though they often coincide.
All kidding aside, isn't obliteration by some natural force exactly what the "Earth First" people are asking for when they advocate the cessation and regression of the industrial revolution?
Kinda puzzled why thouse folks live in houses, drive cars and use computers/other electrical devices, but that question is for the next "hydrogen power will save the earth" story.
Eve Fairbanks says I drive a hybrid!LOL