User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 3/28/2024 11:16:34 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Grendel-OK]
Lots of movies and TV shows have been made about the effort to deflect or blow up, or otherwise neutralize a planet killing comet on course to hit the Earth.
Let's say we found a comet on course to impact the earth, in six months, a year, whatever... Do we currently posses the technology to deflect the comet off course? Or blow it into smaller chunks or whatever to avert a planet killing event? Nukes? Rockets strapped to the comet? Something involving lasers or magnets? Could we even mount that defense in time even if we have the technology to do so? I imagine that if we don't have the technology, that a comet destroying our planet will be a moot point, since we'll probably devolve into mass murder and mayhem the last few months before it hits anyway. |
|
|
|
CA, USA
|
Posted: 3/28/2024 11:18:29 PM EDT
[#1]
NASA already did it in 2022
 NASA Successfully Deflects Asteroid In Defense Test |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/28/2024 11:18:58 PM EDT
[#2]
Originally Posted By Grendel-OK: Lots of movies and TV shows have been made about the effort to deflect or blow up, or otherwise neutralize a planet killing comet on course to hit the Earth. Let's say we found a comet on course to impact the earth, in six months, a year, whatever... Do we currently posses the technology to deflect the comet off course? Or blow it into smaller chunks or whatever to avert a planet killing event? Nukes? Rockets strapped to the comet? Something involving lasers or magnets? Could we even mount that defense in time even if we have the technology to do so? I imagine that if we don't have the technology, that a comet destroying our planet will be a moot point, since we'll probably devolve into mass murder and mayhem the last few months before it hits anyway. We had to fake the moon landing. Doubtful we could pull off deflecting anything bigger than a Lada. |
|
|
|
USA
|
Posted: 3/28/2024 11:19:04 PM EDT
[#3]
Now, no. 200 years from now, maybe.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/28/2024 11:22:24 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Subpar: We had to fake the moon landing. Doubtful we could pull off deflecting anything bigger than a Lada. Look, they only faked the first moon landing. Everyone knows we finally set foot on the moon the second time with Apollo 12. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/28/2024 11:22:54 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By BoomBoom: Now, no. 200 years from now, maybe. I’m a little more optimistic in thinking within 20 years we should have that capability. It takes a lot of fuel to impart a small change in delta V. Starship can help deliver and if enough of them can be launched early enough to make a difference. Blowing them up doesn’t work, their gravity will just pull it back together. Deflection with lasers or sails etc can work but it has to be detected very very early. If it’s too close there is nothing to be done, doubtful we will even be told save for signs of the elite running for Mars or Bunkers. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/28/2024 11:26:32 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By alaskan_9974: signs of the elite running for Mars or Bunkers. So does Elon know something that we don't then? 
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/28/2024 11:27:37 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Keekleberrys]
[#7]
Early enough detection? Yes easily. Its a big sky and far enough out a mouse fart will have a large effect.
Last minute we’re fucked. Detection is hard though |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/28/2024 11:30:43 PM EDT
[#8]
Depending on time, yes.
We’ve intercepted comets, the rest is just redundancy and payload. If a comet is guaranteed to end civilization it’s big enough to be spotted with time to react. treaties, environmentalists, whatever would be ignored. Fund Elon and let him launch starship every week until it works. Test nukes, convert what we have to a MIRV system sitting on top of starship. |
|
|
|
USA
|
Posted: 3/28/2024 11:34:29 PM EDT
[Last Edit: gtofan]
[#9]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Grendel-OK: Look, they only faked the first moon landing. Everyone knows we finally set foot on the moon the second time with Apollo 12. Example....You cannot expose distant light sources when exposing brighter, closer objects. This was film, not a sensitive digital sensor. Carry on. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/28/2024 11:34:56 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MarkNH: Test nukes, convert what we have to a MIRV system sitting on top of starship. Would that actually work though? Do we have enough nukes to make a difference for a comet that is miles wide? And don't nukes behave differently in space, since there's no atmosphere to carry the shockwave? |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/28/2024 11:36:45 PM EDT
[#11]
With enough warning, yes.
|
|
|
|
UT, USA
|
Posted: 3/28/2024 11:37:02 PM EDT
[#12]
Not since Bruce Willis became incapacitated.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/28/2024 11:39:56 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By gtofan: Only people who don't understand proper exposure, (light falloff is logarithmic) depth of field, & aperature in photography, and how parallel lines don't appear parallel believe Apollo 11 landing was fake. Example....You cannot expose distant light sources when exposing brighter, closer objects. This was film, not a sensitive digital sensor. Carry on. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By gtofan: Originally Posted By Grendel-OK: Look, they only faked the first moon landing. Everyone knows we finally set foot on the moon the second time with Apollo 12. Example....You cannot expose distant light sources when exposing brighter, closer objects. This was film, not a sensitive digital sensor. Carry on. 
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/28/2024 11:41:04 PM EDT
[#14]
But should we?
|
|
|
|
IL, USA
|
Posted: 3/28/2024 11:42:03 PM EDT
[#15]
Do we? probably. Do I trust the government to successfully pull it off? Hell fucking no
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/28/2024 11:44:11 PM EDT
[#16]
That DART project video posted earlier
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/28/2024 11:46:24 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By PacNW5: That DART project video posted earlier The DART hit the asteroid. But did it do anything? Hitting an object is one thing. Hitting it with enough force or being able to change it's orbit is another. Surely there's someone on Arfcom who has worked on the Planetary Defense System that knows something. We have people everywhere. One of you guys knows that math and the science. |
|
|
|
BC, CAN
|
Posted: 3/28/2024 11:46:27 PM EDT
[#18]
Maybe, if you're talking Special Access Program technology.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/28/2024 11:50:40 PM EDT
[#19]
We do have the capabillty as was pointed out in the first post.
Over time this capability will be improved and refined. Allowing us to move asteroids and comets wherever we want them to be. Creating the foundation for the next phase of human civilization. DART was a mission that was low priority for NASA. Funded by what is metaphorically speaking, the change in their couch cushons. The Psyche Mission is something far grander and who knows what that will achieve when it arrives at its target. Or we could just say "woe is us! Humanity is too sinful to go on existing" and blow us all to kingdom come. Personally I'm not a fan of that idea. It reeks of Lizard People propaganda that has been bought into by depressed people. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/28/2024 11:53:02 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Hesperus]
[#20]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Grendel-OK: The DART hit the asteroid. But did it do anything? Hitting an object is one thing. Hitting it with enough force or being able to change it's orbit is another. Surely there's someone on Arfcom who has worked on the Planetary Defense System that knows something. We have people everywhere. One of you guys knows that math and the science. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Grendel-OK: Originally Posted By PacNW5: That DART project video posted earlier The DART hit the asteroid. But did it do anything? Hitting an object is one thing. Hitting it with enough force or being able to change it's orbit is another. Surely there's someone on Arfcom who has worked on the Planetary Defense System that knows something. We have people everywhere. One of you guys knows that math and the science. Ok, I suck at math. But I do understand this. When DART hit it changed the orbit of Diddymoon around Dimorphous by more than anyone believed possible. I think the theory is that the energy of the impact turned part of the smaller body into a thruster. It was a wildly successful mission.  Killer Asteroids Beware: DART Mission Finale Shows Spectacular Results  DART Asteroid Collision Updates: Unexplained Changes After 1 Year |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/28/2024 11:54:06 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Grendel-OK: Would that actually work though? Do we have enough nukes to make a difference for a comet that is miles wide? And don't nukes behave differently in space, since there's no atmosphere to carry the shockwave? Roughly speaking, via google search not revealing national secrets, 1 megaton = half mile crater(blast not shockwave, in terms of volume starship can carry 4+ times the volume of a land launched minuteman 3 that was artificially limited to 3 warheads. If it was the end of the world potentially, with a few years notice, I would be comfortable that we would could kill something 50 to 100 miles across with no consequences other than the economic cost. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/28/2024 11:56:34 PM EDT
[#22]
I hope not.
|
|
|
|
PAN
|
Posted: 3/28/2024 11:57:24 PM EDT
[#23]
Circle of influence Circle of concern |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/28/2024 11:58:19 PM EDT
[#24]
Probably, but we don’t have the right personnel in place to execute it.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/28/2024 11:58:38 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MarkNH: Roughly speaking, via google search not revealing national secrets, 1 megaton = half mile crater(blast not shockwave, in terms of volume starship can carry 4+ times the volume of a land launched minuteman 3 that was artificially limited to 3 warheads. If it was the end of the world potentially, with a few years notice, I would be comfortable that we would could kill something 50 to 100 miles across with no consequences other than the economic cost. But do enough of our nuclear warheads actually still work to make that possible? |
|
|
|
ID, USA
|
Posted: 3/29/2024 12:01:34 AM EDT
[#26]
Irrelevant. One roundhouse kick from Chuck Norris and the asteroid goes flying off to the next galaxy. Just gotta get him on a shuttle.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/29/2024 12:02:12 AM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Hesperus: We do have the capabillty as was pointed out in the first post. Over time this capability will be improved and refined. Allowing us to move asteroids and comets wherever we want them to be. Creating the foundation for the next phase of human civilization. DART was a mission that was low priority for NASA. Funded by what is metaphorically speaking, the change in their couch cushons. The Psyche Mission is something far grander and who knows what that will achieve when it arrives at its target. Or we could just say "woe is us! Humanity is too sinful to go on existing" and blow us all to kingdom come. Personally I'm not a fan of that idea. It reeks of Lizard People propaganda that has been bought into by depressed people. Imagine hijacking asteroids and using them as discreet WMDs. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/29/2024 12:04:40 AM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By nvroundman: But should we? Yes, we should. There is so much more good than bad happening, even now. Media focuses on all the negative shit as it draws in more viewers. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/29/2024 12:05:41 AM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By spork: Imagine hijacking asteroids and using them as discreet WMDs. /Marco Inaros has entered the chat |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/29/2024 12:09:22 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Hesperus]
[#30]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By spork: Imagine hijacking asteroids and using them as discreet WMDs. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By spork: Originally Posted By Hesperus: We do have the capabillty as was pointed out in the first post. Over time this capability will be improved and refined. Allowing us to move asteroids and comets wherever we want them to be. Creating the foundation for the next phase of human civilization. DART was a mission that was low priority for NASA. Funded by what is metaphorically speaking, the change in their couch cushons. The Psyche Mission is something far grander and who knows what that will achieve when it arrives at its target. Or we could just say "woe is us! Humanity is too sinful to go on existing" and blow us all to kingdom come. Personally I'm not a fan of that idea. It reeks of Lizard People propaganda that has been bought into by depressed people. Imagine hijacking asteroids and using them as discreet WMDs. People have been imagining that for so long and in so much detail that I just don't find it interesting anymore. When the time comes that our technology reaches the point where any Shmuck with an Internet connection can whip up a weapon that can kill a planet I suppose we will only have 2 options. Either create a society where the crazies are dealt with appropriately. Or what is known as the Hermit-Shoplifter Hypothesis. In short, sentient entities flee into the voids between galaxies and hide from each other.  Futurama NRA |
|
|
|
FL, USA
|
Posted: 3/29/2024 12:22:44 AM EDT
[#31]
If I were in charge it would go down like this, assume 1 month notice of an incoming planet killer:
It should be possible to get every ICBM the world has into a low orbit, in a week. Then we try to maneuver them into a single spot, generaly over the center of the Pacific Ocean (sorry). Then we spend the next week trying to figure out how to set them all off at the exact same moment for maximum deflection. All the people under the blast zone have a few weeks to find a way underground or evacuate. The mega-megaton multi-blast space detonations may prevent the comet from making direct impact. There may be global earthquakes and massive tidal waves…a great flood. Then we start over again. |
|
|
OR, USA
|
Posted: 3/29/2024 12:26:50 AM EDT
[#32]
If Musk was on the task then yes. NASA? We'd be fucked.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/29/2024 12:30:37 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Grendel-OK]
[#33]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By pdxshooter: If Musk was on the task then yes. NASA? We'd be fucked. Do you actually think the commies in charge of this country would allow Musk the fame and glory of being humanity's savior? They'd rather laugh while the entire planet is destroyed than give him a snow ball's chance in hell to be The Guy. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/29/2024 12:33:36 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By GhettoCowboy: If I were in charge it would go down like this, assume 1 month notice of an incoming planet killer: It should be possible to get every ICBM the world has into a low orbit, in a week. Then we try to maneuver them into a single spot, generaly over the center of the Pacific Ocean (sorry). Then we spend the next week trying to figure out how to set them all off at the exact same moment for maximum deflection. All the people under the blast zone have a few weeks to find a way underground or evacuate. The mega-megaton multi-blast space detonations may prevent the comet from making direct impact. There may be global earthquakes and massive tidal waves…a great flood. Then we start over again. Which would be like hunting a deer like so.  The Simpsons: 20,000 BC: The Hunt. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/29/2024 12:34:22 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By markl32: Circle of influence Circle of concern Somebody has read Covey. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/29/2024 12:36:38 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Alien]
[#36]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By BoomBoom: Now, no. 200 years from now, maybe.  We could do it now. Put a Starship in orbit. Refuel it and load it up with nukes with another Starship or 2. Set course for the comet. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/29/2024 12:36:39 AM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Grendel-OK: Do you actually think the commies in charge of this country would allow Musk the fame and glory of being humanity's savior? They'd rather laugh while the entire planet is destroyed than give him a snow ball's chance in hell to be The Guy. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Grendel-OK: Originally Posted By pdxshooter: If Musk was on the task then yes. NASA? We'd be fucked. Do you actually think the commies in charge of this country would allow Musk the fame and glory of being humanity's savior? They'd rather laugh while the entire planet is destroyed than give him a snow ball's chance in hell to be The Guy. Then I suppose we would have to decide. What do we want more? To be alive in a prosperous and technologically advanced civilization? Or dead at the hands of a pack of smug sociopaths? I can reasonably guarantee that after the fall. If there's anyone alive outside the Lizard People's bunkers then those people will dedicate their lives to getting revenge for 7 BILLION dead people. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/29/2024 5:09:20 AM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Grendel-OK: Would that actually work though? Do we have enough nukes to make a difference for a comet that is miles wide? And don't nukes behave differently in space, since there's no atmosphere to carry the shockwave? Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Grendel-OK: Originally Posted By MarkNH: Test nukes, convert what we have to a MIRV system sitting on top of starship. Would that actually work though? Do we have enough nukes to make a difference for a comet that is miles wide? And don't nukes behave differently in space, since there's no atmosphere to carry the shockwave? A nuke detonated on the surface would vaporize rock and ice, and both impart a change in velocity and centre of gravity. If it was far enough away from Earth it’d be doable. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/29/2024 5:27:35 AM EDT
[#39]
The one they experimented on moving was probably on a collision course they just didn't want to tell us. Shit would hit the fan if people though the world was ending.
|
|
|
|
MP, USA
|
Posted: 3/29/2024 5:29:54 AM EDT
[#40]
We can deploy mylar sails where solar winds will blow it off course.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/29/2024 5:52:51 AM EDT
[#41]
But why?
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/29/2024 6:37:57 AM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By sitkashooter: Yes, we should. There is so much more good than bad happening, even now. Media focuses on all the negative shit as it draws in more viewers. Thank goodness we don't have that problem here in the wonderful world of GD. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/29/2024 6:41:51 AM EDT
[#43]
No. We couldn’t even deflect a bridge killing ship.
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/29/2024 6:43:44 AM EDT
[#44]
We have humans on this planet who enjoy sticking laundry detergent up their ass and posting pictures of their asshole for profit.
We're fucked if a comet comes our way. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/29/2024 6:54:18 AM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By jackthom8: NASA already did it in 2022  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhG-JkmzQ5wYes but, without clicking, did the guy in charge [Shuffles deck, pulls card] wear the right shirt to the interview??? 🤔 If a 500lb bluehaired feminist gets offended, by a shirt, then he must of course be shredded and the accomplishment ignored you see.  Attached File |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 3/29/2024 7:03:14 AM EDT
[#46]
Almost.
With 3 or 4 Starship flights we could build one huge gravity tug. The trick is seeing it with enough time left. |
|
|
|
SC, USA
|
Posted: 3/29/2024 7:06:26 AM EDT
[#47]
Planet killing or planet cleansing?
|
|
|
USA
|
Posted: 3/29/2024 7:55:18 AM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By sitkashooter: Yes, we should. There is so much more good than bad happening, even now. Media focuses on all the negative shit as it draws in more viewers. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By sitkashooter: Originally Posted By nvroundman: But should we? Yes, we should. There is so much more good than bad happening, even now. Media focuses on all the negative shit as it draws in more viewers. |
|
|
IL, USA
|
Posted: 3/29/2024 8:03:22 AM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Keekleberrys: Early enough detection? Yes easily. Its a big sky and far enough out a mouse fart will have a large effect. Last minute we’re fucked. Detection is hard though This. If you start steering a big ship early enough you don't have to deflect the rudder very far to change course by a lot. |
|
|
|
Posted: 3/29/2024 8:08:23 AM EDT
[#50]
|
|
|
|
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
Attached File