Science Friday - An Asteroid Could Hit Mars

Imagine this - we could witness an asteroid hitting Mars with the approximate force of a 3-Megaton bomb.  The data alone could fuel studies on impact science for years to come.  Not only that, but we could witness the event and send probes to examine the results and possibly get information on below-surface chemistry and geology.  We could further examine the possibilities of life, water, and carbon.  This is real science.

The odds are 1 in 75, so it's not likely to happen.  But we can hope. 

Here's the story:

A group of U.S. astronomers say there is a chance an asteroid could hit the planet Mars by the end of next month.

Stargazers in Arizona discovered a 50-meter wide asteroid in November that was designated "2007 WD5."  Astronomers at the U.S. space agency NASA's Near-Earth Object Office are tracking the object and say it may pass within 48,000 kilometers of Mars by January 30.

The astronomers say there is a one-in-75 chance the asteroid will strike the planet on that day.  The asteroid is compared to a similar object that struck Siberia in 1908 with the energy of a three-megaton bomb and destroyed tens of millions of trees.

NASA officials say if the asteroid does hit Mars, it will do so near the location of its Opportunity rover, which has been exploring the Martian surface for three years.

rick, geeking out

Comments

[a rose is a rose]

here, i am of the mind we should spend our money on earth. i am fascinated by space but....i still couldn't justify it as long as people are starving and dying from tooth infections and the like

[CV Rick]

The opportunity to study this impact Rose, is important because it'll allow us to determine the effects when the inevitable happens - an asteroid hits earth. This is a case study, and if we do get hit, we'll have several months at most to prepare - best to have the information we need by observing what happens elsewhere.

[a rose is a rose]

i understand rick. i just can't justify it in my mind