You know, it's stories like this that convince me that the government knows a little more than it's letting on about an impending asteroid strike. Don't get me wrong: I'm all for them keeping it secret. Things might get a little crazy if word were to get out.
This particular NASA design would use nukes to nudge an asteroid out of the Earth's path. Funny, but they're only proposing 1.2 megaton warheads, albeit on six separate units. Nevertheless, I would have expected larger weapons. But, they're the mathematicians, not me.
The next closest asteroid that we (the public, I mean) know about is the Apophis asteroid that's supposed to pass between the Earth and the Moon in 2029. I understand that in astronomical terms, that's pretty darn close.
I've not always been a 100% fan of NASA, wondering whether it's government's business to explore space. Now, I'm a believer. Give NASA all the funding it needs.
Big fan of NASA, despite all its mistakes, it has provided the world with a positive dream for our collective future.
Assuming the warhead size is true, it suggests a peaceful use of very frightening weapons. The small size may reduce fears of nuclear missiles aimed at Earth.
Arye Michael Bender
Oh, a 1.2 megaton weapon is still a pretty scary thing. I don't think anyone's made less afraid by the thought of that, vs. a 20 megaton weapon, being pointed at them.
Actually, i was just being facetious. The real fact they're using that weapon is likely because of size. It's probably the only model of sufficient megatonnage that will fit the design.
