Mirrors vs. Asteroids: A new way to save earth
Besides the fear of planets colliding with each other, there’s always the threat from a giant asteroid. In an effort to protect the earth from the asteroids, the mirrors became their answer. Scientists use mirrors to direct the rays of sun towards the asteroid. The heat from the solar rays will ultimately destroy any asteroid. Out of nine ways of destroying an asteroid, scientists think that this procedure works the best for them and it is relatively safer. Up to 5000 mirrors could be used to deflect the solar radiation towards the asteroids. At least this is what the researchers at Glasgow University think might save the earth from the ultimate annihilation. The mirrors can project the sun rays onto a small area of the asteroid. The small area is no more than 1.5 meter across. The tiny slit in the rock will generate temp. of 2100 C(3812 F). This temp. should be more than enough to heat the surface and and convert the object to gas. I think this is probably the most unique way. Using this mirror method, the research team has proved that this is a win win situation against the asteroid. The research compared the mirror and sun ray method with eight others. Here’s a brief look at several other methods: types of nuclear explosion, fix an electronic propulsion system with the asteroid, Mass driver system and Kinetic impactor which can knock the asteroid off the orbit The study took into consideration the number of spacecraft and crew members needed, warning time, as well as the current readiness technology used. Now we can sleep peacefully knowing that we have better protection against the asteroid threat.
Tags: Asteroids, Mirrors, Solar rays, Technology
