There are lots of ways scientist envision stopping killer asteroids, some of
which are impossible, are futuristic and we can’t do as of now, or no
one wants to do it (who wants to put spray paint on an asteroid traveling super
fast?). One even uses lasers:
"[Scientists] envision parking an unmanned probe in orbit around an offending
rock, then aiming a laser at the object's surface. As the laser heats up the
rocky substrate, steam and other gases will erupt in fast-moving jets. According
to Newton's laws of motion, each burst of gas applies a tiny force in the
opposite direction. Heat the asteroid long enough, and you'll have it hissing
like a teakettle and moving, centimeter by centimeter, off its original course"
(Harris).
I think the nuclear one is the best because it could steer it away, it is
definitely possible, and most likely the easiest way to get arid of the cosmic
space potato.
"[Another] option might be to detonate a warhead near the asteroid, letting
heat from the explosion sear one side of the rock. As material vaporizes from
its surface, the asteroid would accelerate in the opposite direction -- just
enough (fingers crossed) to steer it away from Earth" (Harris).
I think those two are the best two options we would have against a killer
rock that could kill us all. If those defenses don’t work, grab your rations,
did a deep hole in the ground, say your prayers, then say bye-bye.
which are impossible, are futuristic and we can’t do as of now, or no
one wants to do it (who wants to put spray paint on an asteroid traveling super
fast?). One even uses lasers:
"[Scientists] envision parking an unmanned probe in orbit around an offending
rock, then aiming a laser at the object's surface. As the laser heats up the
rocky substrate, steam and other gases will erupt in fast-moving jets. According
to Newton's laws of motion, each burst of gas applies a tiny force in the
opposite direction. Heat the asteroid long enough, and you'll have it hissing
like a teakettle and moving, centimeter by centimeter, off its original course"
(Harris).
I think the nuclear one is the best because it could steer it away, it is
definitely possible, and most likely the easiest way to get arid of the cosmic
space potato.
"[Another] option might be to detonate a warhead near the asteroid, letting
heat from the explosion sear one side of the rock. As material vaporizes from
its surface, the asteroid would accelerate in the opposite direction -- just
enough (fingers crossed) to steer it away from Earth" (Harris).
I think those two are the best two options we would have against a killer
rock that could kill us all. If those defenses don’t work, grab your rations,
did a deep hole in the ground, say your prayers, then say bye-bye.