YOU TRY IT! Collision Course
The Earth has been hit by large objects from space more than once, which means it could happen again in the future. Fortunately, we have telescopes looking out for any that may be heading our way. Here’s how you can see why it is important to get to them early and nudge them off course.
WHAT YOU NEED
- A globe of the Earth, or a large ball
- A handful of small pebbles or marbles
WHAT TO DO
- Stand beside the globe or ball and try to hit it by throwing a pebble.
- Take five steps away from the ball and try to hit it with another pebble.
- Take another five steps back and try again. Continue stepping back until it is almost impossible to hit the ball.
It’s easy to hit the ball when you are close because it’s a big target. But as you get farther away, the ball looks smaller and is more difficult to hit. From really far away, your aim only needs to be off by a tiny bit and you will miss.
If we can send spacecraft out to meet an asteroid when it is far away from the Earth, it would only take a small push to change its course enough to ensure it passes by our planet without hitting us. If we wait too long, or don’t see an asteroid until it is closer, though, it would have to be moved much more to steer it out of the way; otherwise the Earth would be an easy target. And if it’s too close, there will probably be nothing we can do except get ready for impact and hope we don’t go the way of the dinosaurs.