Group 5 Abstract

The scientific coalition known as the NEOShield proposes that there are three feasible methods of changing the path of any NEO ( Near Earth Objects) on a collision course with Earth: kinetic impact, blast deflection or gravity tractors. We plan to create a model of the first of these methods, and use high-speed cameras to show on a smaller scale how this  plan would work and then extrapolate using gathered data to calculate the size and speed a projectile would require to deflect an asteroid of randomly generated specifications. We will then use similar mathematics to calculate the force required from a nuclear blast to push a NEO off course and the gravity needed to pull it away, in the other two methods respectively. We hypothesize, in terms of cost and difficulty, that the kinetic impact method will be most probable.

1 thought on “Group 5 Abstract

  1. Avatar photoJenny Magnes

    Famous astronomers say that gravity will be the most effective way to divert an object. It would interesting to know what NASA’s official opinion is – if any. Remember to enable ‘comments’ on your blog posts.

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