Author: Robin George Andrews Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company ISBN: 1324050209 Category : Science Languages : en Pages : 287
Book Description
A gripping account of the “city-killer” asteroids that could threaten Earth and the race to build a planetary defense system. There are approximately 25,000 “city killer” asteroids in near-Earth orbit—and most are yet to be found. Small enough to evade detection, they are capable of large-scale destruction, and represent our greatest cosmic threat. But in September 2022, against all odds, NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission deliberately crashed a spacecraft into a carefully selected city killer, altering the asteroid’s orbit and proving that we stand a chance against them. In How to Kill an Asteroid, award-winning science journalist Robin George Andrews—who was at DART mission control when it happened—reveals the development of the technology that made it possible, from spotting elusive asteroids and comets to figuring out their geologic defenses and orchestrating a deflection campaign. In a propulsive narrative that reads like a sci-fi thriller, Andrews tells the story of the planetary defense movement, and introduces the international team of scientists and engineers now working to protect Earth.
Author: Nikola Schmidt Publisher: Springer ISBN: 3030010007 Category : Political Science Languages : en Pages : 475
Book Description
Planetary defense from near-Earth objects such as asteroids is a far more nuanced and challenging topic than it might seem. Each day, technology is making it easier to detect asteroid impact threats in advance, but at present, there is still no easy way to design and implement any form of global defense. This book examines how various asteroid deflection methods can change global political affairs. The authors believe that the final policy for potential Earth impacts should be based on practical engineering solutions and innovative architectural structures, while at the same time reflecting the most recent political science contributions in ethical security studies and security cosmopolitanism. Their focus is not limited to effective engineering solutions, but rather extends to how such proposals resonate in possible political structures of the future. Planetary defense cannot be achieved with technology alone; the chapters in this volume highlight the issues that arise when space science and technology intersect with political science. This complex interdisciplinary project not only demands global participation and collaboration, but also proposes the way we can achieve it. The authors explore various concepts of governance and their far-reaching implications for planetary defense and vice versa—how scientific progress in Solar System observations and asteroid collision engineering influence political science and put pressure on the international legal framework. The text is intentionally written for a diverse scholarly and diplomatic audience in a style accessible to non-specialists and practitioners and can be read by those across diverse disciplinary backgrounds.
Author: William E. Burrows Publisher: ISBN: 1616149132 Category : Nature Languages : en Pages : 294
Book Description
Presents a realistic, workable plan for defusing a potentially lethal threat from a rogue asteroid or comet. The explosion of a large meteor over Chelyabinsk, Siberia, in February 2013 is just the latest reminder that planet Earth is vulnerable to damaging and potentially catastrophic collisions with space debris of various kinds. In this informative and forward-looking book, veteran aerospace writer William E. Burrows explains what we can do in the future to avoid far more serious impacts from "Near-Earth Objects" (NEOs), as they are called in the planetary defense community. The good news is that humanity is now equipped with the advanced technology necessary to devise a long-term strategy to protect the planet. Burrows outlines the following key features of an effective planetary defense strategy- * A powerful space surveillance system capable of spotting a serious threat from space at least a year in advance * A space craft "nudge" that would throw a collision-course asteroid off target long before it poses the threat of imminent impact * A weapons system to be used as a last-ditch method to blast an NEO should all else fail. The author notes the many benefits for world stability and increasing international cooperation resulting from a united worldwide effort to protect the planet. Combining realism with an optimistic can-do attitude, Burrows shows that humanity is capable of overcoming a potentially calamitous situation.
Author: Robin George Andrews Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company ISBN: 0393542076 Category : Science Languages : en Pages : 265
Book Description
An exhilarating, time-traveling journey to the solar system’s strangest and most awe-inspiring volcanoes. Volcanoes are capable of acts of pyrotechnical prowess verging on magic: they spout black magma more fluid than water, create shimmering cities of glass at the bottom of the ocean and frozen lakes of lava on the moon, and can even tip entire planets over. Between lava that melts and re-forms the landscape, and noxious volcanic gases that poison the atmosphere, volcanoes have threatened life on Earth countless times in our planet’s history. Yet despite their reputation for destruction, volcanoes are inseparable from the creation of our planet. A lively and utterly fascinating guide to these geologic wonders, Super Volcanoes revels in the incomparable power of volcanic eruptions past and present, Earthbound and otherwise—and recounts the daring and sometimes death-defying careers of the scientists who study them. Science journalist and volcanologist Robin George Andrews explores how these eruptions reveal secrets about the worlds to which they belong, describing the stunning ways in which volcanoes can sculpt the sea, land, and sky, and even influence the machinery that makes or breaks the existence of life. Walking us through the mechanics of some of the most infamous eruptions on Earth, Andrews outlines what we know about how volcanoes form, erupt, and evolve, as well as what scientists are still trying to puzzle out. How can we better predict when a deadly eruption will occur—and protect communities in the danger zone? Is Earth’s system of plate tectonics, unique in the solar system, the best way to forge a planet that supports life? And if life can survive and even thrive in Earth’s extreme volcanic environments—superhot, superacidic, and supersaline surroundings previously thought to be completely inhospitable—where else in the universe might we find it? Traveling from Hawai‘i, Yellowstone, Tanzania, and the ocean floor to the moon, Venus, and Mars, Andrews illuminates the cutting-edge discoveries and lingering scientific mysteries surrounding these phenomenal forces of nature.
Author: Rajeev Raghuram Publisher: FriesenPress ISBN: 1039107435 Category : Juvenile Nonfiction Languages : en Pages : 70
Book Description
We all know what happened to the dinosaurs. Unable to do anything but observe, they watched as an asteroid hurled itself into Earth’s atmosphere and experienced the ramifications of the asteroid’s impact on the planet. Factors such as mass, velocity, type, and trajectory resulted in the extinction of seventy percent of life on Earth. Millions of years later, are we prepared for our battle against this same opponent? The Asteroid Apocalypse is an educational, nonfiction account of the asteroid threat to life on Earth. Detailing the latest science and technologies, The Asteroid Apocalypse guides readers through simulations and space missions that study the asteroid threat. Author Rajeev Raghuram provides readers with the historical context and accessible data to create a holistic understanding of the many potential threats Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) and Potentially Hazardous Objects (PHOs) pose to Earth, as well as how scientists and astronomers around the world prepare to respond to these possible threats. Young readers and aspiring space engineers, astronomers, and scientists everywhere will enjoy this introduction into the world of space rocks swirling around our planet and how we can work to ensure a fate different to that of the dinosaurs.
Author: Gordon L. Dillow Publisher: Scribner ISBN: 1501187759 Category : Science Languages : en Pages : 288
Book Description
This “accessible and always entertaining” (Booklist) combination of history, pop science, and in-depth reporting offers a fascinating account of the asteroids that hit Earth long ago and those streaming toward us now, as well as how prepared we are against asteroid-caused catastrophe. One of these days, warns Gordon Dillow, the Earth will be hit by a comet or asteroid of potentially catastrophic size. The only question is when. In the meantime, we need to get much better at finding objects hurtling our way, and if they’re large enough to penetrate the atmosphere without burning up, figure out what to do about them. We owe many of science’s most important discoveries to the famed Meteor Crater, a mile-wide dimple on the Colorado Plateau created by an asteroid hit 50,000 years ago. In his masterfully researched Fire in the Sky, Dillow unpacks what the Crater has to tell us. Prior to the early 1900s, the world believed that all craters—on the Earth and Moon—were formed by volcanic activity. Not so. The revelation that Meteor Crater and others like it were formed by impacts with space objects has led to a now accepted theory about what killed off the dinosaurs, and it has opened up a new field of asteroid observation that is brimming with urgency. Dillow looks at great asteroid hits of the past and modern-day asteroid hunters and defense planning experts, including America’s first Planetary Defense Officer. Satellite sensors confirm that a Hiroshima-scale blast occurs in the atmosphere every year, and a smaller, one-kiloton blast every month. While Dillow makes clear that the objects above can be deadly, he consistently inspires awe with his descriptions of their size, makeup, and origins. Both a riveting work of popular science and a warning to not take for granted the space objects hurtling overhead, Fire in the Sky is, ultimately, a testament to our universe’s celestial wonders.
Author: National Research Council Publisher: National Academies Press ISBN: 0309149681 Category : Science Languages : en Pages : 152
Book Description
The United States spends approximately $4 million each year searching for near-Earth objects (NEOs). The objective is to detect those that may collide with Earth. The majority of this funding supports the operation of several observatories that scan the sky searching for NEOs. This, however, is insufficient in detecting the majority of NEOs that may present a tangible threat to humanity. A significantly smaller amount of funding supports ways to protect the Earth from such a potential collision or "mitigation." In 2005, a Congressional mandate called for NASA to detect 90 percent of NEOs with diameters of 140 meters of greater by 2020. Defending Planet Earth: Near-Earth Object Surveys and Hazard Mitigation Strategies identifies the need for detection of objects as small as 30 to 50 meters as these can be highly destructive. The book explores four main types of mitigation including civil defense, "slow push" or "pull" methods, kinetic impactors and nuclear explosions. It also asserts that responding effectively to hazards posed by NEOs requires national and international cooperation. Defending Planet Earth: Near-Earth Object Surveys and Hazard Mitigation Strategies is a useful guide for scientists, astronomers, policy makers and engineers.
Author: CAN BARTU H. Publisher: CBF Publishing ISBN: Category : Juvenile Fiction Languages : en Pages : 128
Book Description
In the vast expanse of the cosmos, celestial bodies journey through space, their paths occasionally crossing with our own planet Earth. Among these wanderers are asteroids, mysterious remnants of our solar system's formation that can pose potential threats to our world. Throughout history, Earth has endured the impact of asteroids, leaving lasting marks on our planet's landscape and shaping the course of evolution. Today, as we delve deeper into the realm of space exploration, understanding and mitigating the dangers posed by these wandering rocks have become crucial endeavors. "Asteroid Collision: Threats and Solutions" delves into the intriguing and thoughtprovoking realm of asteroids and the potential risks they pose to Earth. This book is an exploration into the fascinating world of space science, planetary defense, and humanity's quest to safeguard our planet and its inhabitants from potential impact events. As we traverse the pages of this book, we embark on a journey through the formation of our solar system and the genesis of these celestial hazards. We delve into the science behind asteroids, their classifications, and how their paths could intersect with ours. From the catastrophic impact events of the past to the future collision scenarios we may face, we delve into the science of asteroid impacts and their potential consequences. With an indepth analysis of asteroid detection and monitoring techniques, we unravel the cuttingedge technologies and space missions that pave the way for early warning systems and preparedness strategies. From telescopes that peer into the depths of space to spacecraft that journey to distant asteroids, we discover the ingenuity of human ingenuity in deciphering the secrets of the cosmos. The book examines the innovative strategies to divert and mitigate asteroid threats, from theoretical models to practical missions, revealing how science and technology join forces to protect our planet from potential cosmic calamities. It explores the international collaboration and global networks that unite nations in their shared responsibility to safeguard Earth from celestial impacts. As we gaze upward and outward, contemplating the mysteries of the universe, we also turn our attention to the ethical and legal considerations of planetary defense. Questions of responsibility, transparency, and international protocols are explored as we endeavor to create a unified front in safeguarding humanity's future. "Asteroid Collision: Threats and Solutions" is not just a book of knowledge; it is a call to action. It is an invitation to explore the unknown, to embrace the wonders of our universe, and to unite in protecting the fragile oasis we call home. Our collective journey to understand, prepare, and respond to potential asteroid threats symbolizes the human spirit of exploration and resilience. This book aims to inspire scientists, astronomers, policymakers, and the general public alike to engage in planetary defense efforts. It is a testament to the power of knowledge and collaboration, reminding us that together, we can navigate the challenges that lie beyond the stars. Let us embark on this cosmic voyage with curiosity and determination, driven by the desire to secure a safer future for our planet and generations yet to come. Welcome to "Asteroid Collision: Threats and Solutions."
Author: Air War College Publisher: CreateSpace ISBN: 9781499778090 Category : Science Languages : en Pages : 92
Book Description
The threat to Earth due to the impact of an Earth-crossing asteroid or comet is not new, but scientists have only recently recognized it as a continuing threat. The past ten years reveal several frightening near misses, and “hits” by bodies too small to survive long enough in the atmosphere to cause damage. The hazard created when an object strikes Earth varies greatly, from a minimum of no damage due to the object's destruction in the atmosphere to a maximum of millions of deaths, extinction of species, and an end to present civilization. While the potential hazard is great, the probability of occurrence is low, but an impact will happen; the only question is when. Technology exists to dealwith this threat, but serious, organized effort to identify potential threatening objects and to deflect threatening objects is virtually nonexistent. This book analyzes planetary defense issues and develops seven recommendations for national policy and near term actions to be taken by the United States to develop and implement a system to defend Earth from potential impact by comets and asteroids.
Author: Robin George Andrews
Author: Nikola Schmidt
Author: David Weinberger
Author: William E. Burrows
Author: Robin George Andrews
Author: Rajeev Raghuram
Author: Gordon L. Dillow
Author: National Research Council
Author: CAN BARTU H.
Author: Air War College