Originally published October 15 2005
Scientists studying possibility of asteroid collision with Earth
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council has given and international team of scientists funding for a 3-year study of earth-bound asteroids. Researchers will use a variety of mathematical models and computer simulations to predict the future safety of the planet.
British scientists are set to go where only Bruce Willis has gone before: chasing after asteroids on a collision course with Earth.
"It's clear from geological records that the Earth has been impacted in the past by large objects," said Colin McInnes of Strathclyde University.
Although none of the space objects currently tracked by Nasa are heading for Earth, Professor McInnes added that preparing for a potential catastrophe was a valid concern.
Article continues The project will look at a range of methods proposed by scientists over the years, from giant mirrors floating in space which could vaporise parts of an asteroid to methods that rely more on brute force, such as smashing a rocket into the asteroid to deflect it.
Low-thrust methods range from painting the surface of the asteroid with reflective or absorbing paint so that the properties of the surface are changed by attracting more or less light, thus heating or cooling the surface and changing the physical properties of the asteroid."
"You can make very small adjustments to their orbits to create large changes in their orbits in the future," said Prof McInnes.
A large solar sail or mirror could reflect sunlight on to the surface of the asteroid and burn part of it away.
"Another method is to place some sort of thrusting device on the surface of the asteroid," said Dr Radice.
"It can either have its own fuel source, for example a solar power generator, which will create a very low thrust but over a longer period of time.
Paint Covering the asteroid with paint or materials that either absorb or reflect light, heating or cooling bits and changing and way it moves.
Collision course Smash a rocket or spacecraft into the asteroid to try to blow material away from the rock and change the asteroid's orbit.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml