[ExI] Asteroid on track for possible Mars hit

[Eugen Leitl]

On Tue, Dec 25, 2007 at 07:21:30AM -1000, Amara Graps wrote:

> Well, not nuke, but do  you know about Don Quijote? This Phase A study is
> completed
> http://www.esa.int/gsp/completed/neo/donquijote.html

Interesting. If I knew, I forgot.

It is interesting science on its own, but it wouldn't substitute
to asymmetric flash-ablation of a rock by a fusion device. Both
in terms of science, and in terms of raw wallop. (Of course, trying
such a mission is so un-PC right now it would be political suicide,
despite the trajectory being completely unsuitable to hit terrestrial
targets with it, unlike ICBMs the arsenals are lousy with. Sigh).

What would be interesting is what happens to the flash-ablated material
layer. Will we get a dust cloud that lingers, or will it be plenty
clear and/or settle down in no time? (Depends on local gravity, and
wind intensity, dust grain charge, and lots of other factors, no doubt).

-- 
Eugen* Leitl <a href="http://leitl.org">leitl</a> http://leitl.org
______________________________________________________________
ICBM: 48.07100, 11.36820 http://www.ativel.com http://postbiota.org
8B29F6BE: 099D 78BA 2FD3 B014 B08A  7779 75B0 2443 8B29 F6BE