Earth Impact
1-km wide Barringer Crater, located 38 miles east of Flagstaff, AZ.Copyright Near-Earth Object Program, National Aeronautics and Space Administration http://neo.jpl.nasa.gov/images/meteorcrater.jpg
This activity poses the question: What would happen if a meteor or comet impacted Earth? Students simulate an impact in a container of sand using various-sized rocks, all while measuring, recording and graphing results and conclusions. Then students brainstorm ways to prevent an object from hitting the Earth.
Engineers play a vital role in both the observation of what are called near-Earth objects (meteors, comets, asteroids, etc.) as well as any future destruction of them. All types of engineers, from mechanical engineers and aerospace engineers to chemical engineers, participate in designing, testing and building satellites that orbit any object in space, be it Earth or another planet. These satellites, in addition to telescopes, help scientists observe and document objects that have the potential to impact Earth. In the future, any plan to prevent an object from hitting the Earth will no doubt utilize engineers from a variety of disciplines.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Explain the relationship between various-sized objects, impact speed and crater size (and have data to back it up).
- Describe at least one way to prevent a near-Earth object from impacting Earth.