Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Keeper of the Objects

Posted by michael on from the wipeout dept.

cEnTiBeE writes that this is "not about the Matrix," but rather about Near Earth Object tracking. "It's accomplished by a staff of 2.5 people watching to see when any 'vermin of the sky' plan to pay earth a visit. This piece titled Keeper of the Objects is in the August '03 issue of Scientific American."

4 of 144 comments (clear)

  1. How many people? by Eric_Cartman_South_P · · Score: 5, Funny
    It's accomplished by a staff of 2.5 people...

    2 and a half people? Cool. I wonder what the midget does.

  2. The scary asteroids. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny


    The scary ones are where the scientists watch them for a week, and only see the size grow, with no apparent movement across the sky.

    1. Re:The scary asteroids. by Jahf · · Score: 5, Funny

      Off-topic but ... Reminds me of a model rocket I launched once. Darned ejection charge didn't fire. It flew straight up ... and up ... and I was watching it from below going "wow". Then my brain clicked and said "it is getting bigger, MOVE". About 1/2 a second later it buried itself about 6" into the ground exactly where I was standing. I looked at the other camp counselor who was with me, she was dumbfounded, and we quietely herded the children (who were behind and under a protective barrier) off to the next activity. Always good to know that anyone can come close to winning a Darwin if they give themselves half a chance.

      --
      It is more productive to voice thoughtful opinions (reply) than to judge (moderate) others.
  3. McDonald's comparison by xihr · · Score: 5, Funny

    Remember, the total number of people involved in watching the skies for potential Earth impactors is fewer than the staff of one shift of a modest McDonald's restaurant.