Don’t Look Up: Exploring Near-Earth Objects and Potential Impact on Earth

Summary

In this article, we discuss the science behind near-Earth objects, as depicted in the movie “Don’t Look Up.” We explore the work of Dr. Amy Meinze, a real-life astronomer who consulted on the film, and NASA’s near-Earth object observations program. We also examine the potential impact of an object hitting Earth and the different options available to prevent such an occurrence.

What are Near-Earth Objects?
NASA’s Near-Earth Object Observations Program
Potential Impact of an Object Hitting Earth
Preventing Near-Earth Object Impacts
Conclusion

What are Near-Earth Objects?

Near-Earth objects are asteroids or comets that approach the sun within about 30% more distance from the Earth to the sun. These objects can pose a potential threat to Earth if they come too close to our planet’s orbit. Dr. Amy Meinze, a real-life astronomer who consulted on the movie “Don’t Look Up,” explains that a shell of comets called the Oort cloud surrounds the planets in our solar system. The comet in the movie was designed to be about 9 kilometers across and likely came from this cloud.

NASA’s Near-Earth Object Observations Program

NASA has a near-Earth object observations program that systematically searches for asteroids and comets that can get close to Earth’s orbit. When a new object is discovered, its data is sent to the Minor Planet Center to determine if it’s a new discovery or a known object. This program ensures that astronomers can track and monitor any potential threats to Earth.

Potential Impact of an Object Hitting Earth

The likelihood of an object impacting Earth is rare, but if it were to happen, the size and velocity of the object would determine the amount of damage it would cause. Objects smaller than 20 meters can be screened out by the Earth’s atmosphere, but anything larger could cause significant regional damage. Dr. Mindy, another real-life astronomer who consulted on the movie, explains that using math to solve for the three-dimensional location of an object based on its two-dimensional motion is crucial in predicting its impact.

Preventing Near-Earth Object Impacts

NASA has put in place plans to deal with potential near-Earth object impacts. There are different options available to prevent an object from impacting Earth, including kinetic impact, gravity tractor, and using nuclear devices as a last resort. Kinetic impact involves hitting an object with a spacecraft to change its course, while a gravity tractor uses a spacecraft’s gravitational pull to deflect an object’s path. The use of nuclear devices is only considered as a last resort.

Conclusion

While asteroid impacts are not a common occurrence, they are not completely negligible. Basic astronomy can help identify and measure near-Earth objects, reducing the chances of a surprise impact. NASA’s near-Earth object observations program and plans to prevent impacts provide reassurance that we can continue to explore space while keeping Earth safe.