ASTR 101- Solar System Astronomy- Module 7: Discussion #6 - Asteroids

ASTR 101- Solar System Astronomy- Module 7: Discussion #6 - Asteroids

In Chapter 12, you learned about asteroids. Answer the following questions in your discussion post.

· Do you think asteroid impacts are a significant threat to our planet?

· How are scientists detecting asteroids that could potentially hit us?

· What are some proposed methods of avoiding impacts?

Asteroids can be a threat and opportunity at the same time. For instance, it can be an opportunity because they can be a source of valuable metals as well as giving more information about the solar system. They cause a threat scientists to fear that asteroids may come into contact with the earth thus destroying the earth. Asteroids are a threat since they may cause destruction if they are not yet managed well. We thus need to be prepared to avoid the negative impact of the asteroids. Whatever causes negative impact cannot be fully considered as an opportunity but when well managed we can seize the opportunity of their occurrence and benefit. This will give us an opportunity to experience a different lives that has been termed as impossible.

Most asteroids are discovered by a camera on a telescope with a wide field of view. The Near-Earth Object Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer (NEOWISE) is one of the primary telescopes NASA uses to spot asteroids. Here, you can see all the objects NEOWISE discovered from 2013 to 2016.

The concept of re-fueling stations could be extremely beneficial, though it demands new technology. Honestly, it sounds dangerous, if something were to go wrong. However, if successful, the re-fueling stations could be an open door to a whole new realm of knowledge. If it comes down to the sustainability of humanity, exploring and "playing" in space may be our only possibility to finding another place for humanity to exist. Personally, I think this is a great option worth looking into. However, I would rather focus on ways to save the earth we live on now, rather than just looking to the next place to possible inhabit and then destroy.