Probably not but that is what could happen if the 50 KM comet currently heading towards Mars impacts the planet next year. Early indications are that comet C/2013 A1 will flyby the red planet on October 19th 2014 missing by a mere 63,000 miles. But it is too early in the observation process to rule out a direct hit entirely. If the 50 KM comet does hit Mars it will release an estimated 83 billion petajoules of energy. It would be a truly apocalyptic event.
Even if it doesn't directly impact the Mars scientists are hoping it will have developed a tail by the time it passes Mars. If so, some of the scientific instruments currently orbiting the red planet may be able to record some of the best science data ever recorded of a comet.
http://news.discovery.com/space/astrono ... 130225.htm (http://news.discovery.com/space/astronomy/could-a-comet-hit-mars-in-2014-130225.htm)
Quote from: "PopeyesPappy"Probably not but that is what could happen if the 50 KM comet currently heading towards Mars impacts the planet next year. Early indications are that comet C/2013 A1 will flyby the red planet on October 19th 2014 missing by a mere 63,000 miles. But it is too early in the observation process to rule out a direct hit entirely. If the 50 KM comet does hit Mars it will release an estimated 83 billion petajoules of energy. It would be a truly apocalyptic event.
Even if it doesn't directly impact the Mars scientists are hoping it will have developed a tail by the time it passes Mars. If so, some of the scientific instruments currently orbiting the red planet may be able to record some of the best science data ever recorded of a comet.
http://news.discovery.com/space/astrono ... 130225.htm (http://news.discovery.com/space/astronomy/could-a-comet-hit-mars-in-2014-130225.htm)
There seems to be a lot of comet and asteroid fly by activity in our solar system lately. I can't say I feel good about it. But what R U gonna do?
Look up to the sky and ecstasize yourself !!!!
QuoteThere seems to be a lot of comet and asteroid fly by activity in our solar system lately. I can't say I feel good about it. But what R U gonna do?
We're just picking up on more and more of them. I see no evidence that the actual number of comets and asteroids is increasing, though. You'd probably hear people talking about it.
My thought is that if the comet did hit Mars and wipe out Curiosity and whatnot, it would be a real wake up call to all of us to the danger of celestial events that impact humanity.
Unfortunately, it would also be a prime topic for Pat Robertson and company to show that god condemns space exploration.
I'm sure a lot of it is because our ability to detect them is improving. We don't really have a lot of historical data to go by for stuff like this beyond counting impact craters and estimating their age. With what we know now though close passes seem to rare events and large impacts are even rarer. I would love to see this thing hit Mars just to see it. From what we do know two planetary comet impacts in my lifetime would be extraordinary.
Quote from: "PopeyesPappy"I'm sure a lot of it is because our ability to detect them is improving. We don't really have a lot of historical data to go by for stuff like this beyond counting impact craters and estimating their age. With what we know now though close passes seem to rare events and large impacts are even rarer. I would love to see this thing hit Mars just to see it. From what we do know two planetary comet impacts in my lifetime would be extraordinary.
I have to admit I agree. Seeing that sucker smack Mars would be very cool.
They were talking about such impacts this morning on NPR. One person said, "There's no reason to call Bruce Willis at this time."
Quote from: "PopeyesPappy"Probably not but that is what could happen if the 50 KM comet currently heading towards Mars impacts the planet next year. Early indications are that comet C/2013 A1 will flyby the red planet on October 19th 2014 missing by a mere 63,000 miles. But it is too early in the observation process to rule out a direct hit entirely. If the 50 KM comet does hit Mars it will release an estimated 83 billion petajoules of energy. It would be a truly apocalyptic event.
Even if it doesn't directly impact the Mars scientists are hoping it will have developed a tail by the time it passes Mars. If so, some of the scientific instruments currently orbiting the red planet may be able to record some of the best science data ever recorded of a comet.
http://news.discovery.com/space/astrono ... 130225.htm (http://news.discovery.com/space/astronomy/could-a-comet-hit-mars-in-2014-130225.htm)
I'd think that the impact would be a much more valuable scientific event than any single rover. A rover can be sent up when we wish; an impactor, not so much.
For that reason, I hope it does hit. Think of what we stand to learn!
Great stuff, thanks for posting it.
Well... if it did happen, it should at least be an epic show...
I think we should send Bruce Willis anyway.....seriously..who the fuck wants to see Die hard 10?
Quote from: "aitm"I think we should send Bruce Willis anyway.....seriously..who the fuck wants to see Die hard 10?
lol, can we pack Brad Pitt onto that show too?
Would the hit be visible without a telescope? If not, I'm buying a telescope. I've been wanting one anyway.
Quote from: "stromboli"Unfortunately, it would also be a prime topic for Pat Robertson and company to show that god condemns space exploration.
And gays. He'd crowbar them in somehow.
63,000 miles? I hope Curiosity gets some good photos of it streaking by!!
The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter is the one that should be able to get good pics of the event.
Quote from: "PopeyesPappy"The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter is the one that should be able to get good pics of the event.
The orbiters are in more danger from this than the rovers unless the comet makes direct impact with Mars. The orbiters could be damaged or knocked out by a near approach from all the garbage in the comets tail that's likely to hit Mars even if the whole comet doesn't. Most of that stuff should burn up on entry even with Mars' thin atmosphere.