In the Soviet Russia, the Earth hits the Asteroid
The Russians are going to go Bruce Willis on some Asteroids! Or, to be more specific, one asteroid. Apophsis. Despite some naysaying from the international community, Russia is looking in to plans to deflect or destroy Apophis.
Apophis is an 855 foot long asteroid that has a slight potential of hitting the earth in 2029. While it’s doubtful that it will hit the Earth, it will most certainly pass awfully close to us. How close? How about between the moon and us. Good times!
The Blurry Spot of Doom, Apophis!
But like I said, it’s not expected to hit the Earth. But, unlike the rest of the world, I don’t blame the Russians for being concerned. First off, there’s the acceptable risk of the situation. The current estimate of probability is at 2.7%, which is all that alarming. But when you’re talking about something as serious as this, is that acceptable? Plus, when you look at the potential ‘landing’ spots, you can see why Russia is a little bit more concerned then the rest of the world.
2.7% is also the percentage of Americans who care
To put in proper perspective the damage that Apophis might cause, consider that whatever made the Chicxulub Crater in Mexico(that supposedly killed the dinosaurs) was aroud six miles in diameter. While that is a great deal larger than Apophsis, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t a concern. The energy released from Apophsis will be great than the eruption of Krakatoa. And if it impacted in a populated area, the results could be devastating.
A second, and more pratical reason, for why it’s a good idea for the Russians to attempt this is that it’s good practice. At the end of the day, it’s really doubtful that Apophis will hit the Earth. But that really doesn’t mean much. For every Apophis, there’s an unknown, yet unseen asteroid that might be on a collision course for Earth. Despite all of out eyes looking out to space, there’s no way to cover it all. Especially when you’re looking for a relatively small speck. If we did discover an astral body making a b-line for the Earth, it would help to have practical experience in dealing with Asteroids. So solider on, Russians. We might not make a movie about your endeavours, but you can always remake Armageddon!
Space Miners in Space!
I vote we send Bruce Willis up, give him a big missile and have a hay day!
Even so…passing between Earth and the moon is HUGE. Haven’t you seen ‘The Time Machine’? First-great movie. Second-a whole lot of bad shit happens when the moon breaks apart. What if this asteroid hit our moon?
…all dramatic references aside-what WOULD happen??
Everyone knows that asteroids leave a trail of the zombie infection behind them. Let’s just hope they get to blowing it up far from the Earth’s atmosphere! Nice reporting J!
Trudes – If the moon breaks apart or is moved off its orbit, we’re fucked. All our tidal systems are dependent on the moon, and so therefore are our weather systems. But the moons been hit by a shitload of asteroids with no problem, it will survive a hit by one this size. But i agree with J, this is a good idea for the reasons he said. As a poker player i can say that things that have 2.7% chance of happening do happen, thats not an acceptable risk. And also, it will be bloody awesome watching them nuke a comet on tv!
Yep, the whole “practice” thing is a good reason for them to do this. If not for the cost, I’d almost suggest it be something we try ourselves on some random asteroid, too. Can’t depend on the Russians if there’s one potentially landing on us, after all.
@Ano- I know all the ‘stats’ on what would happen but…I guess my question should have been-are we prepared?
I don’t know about you, but im prepared. Ive got my looting clubs ready when everything goes to shit, and also my pickup lines. “Hey baby, since we’re all going to die soon, so how about we make a baby that certainly isnt going to see the light of day?”.
I could see falling for that.
Thanks for the great posting – and happy new year to you all