Not a Good Year for Mars

kochu · Post by **kochu** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 12:20 pm

Hi all,

Is it Mar's "Armageddon"

http://edition.cnn.com/2007/TECH/space/ ... index.html

Kochu/24-12-07

Post by **Airconvent** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 2:30 pm

Its down to 1 in 75 chance based on latest estimates but could move up again after further study on its path.
One paper in Hong Kong had a half page news with large headings "Asteroid to hit Mars!" in large print.
If it hits, with no life on mars, all it will do is make a make a large crater and delight astronomers on Earth with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see such an impact and timed when mars is closest to Earth. Only problem is will all that dust in the air kill off the 2 martian rovers.

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

starfield · Post by **starfield** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 3:02 pm

let's hope that this event will trigger global awareness of Earth's vulnerability and prompt government to spend more to defend the planet and not their ego.

Hopefully more will take up astronomy and drive the prices down.

Happy new year to all.

Tachyon · Post by **Tachyon** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 11:26 pm

Poor Mars! Shouldn't we do something to avert this?

boothee · Post by **boothee** » Mon Dec 24, 2007 11:52 pm

How about "Twin Rovers"?

Post by **Airconvent** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 1:03 am

Tachyon wrote:Poor Mars! Shouldn't we do something to avert this?

We could always send the Enterprise. A couple of photon torpedoes ought to do the trick. But if you read the news, astronomers are hoping it WILL hit Mars.
For one, this is a rare opportunity to see an actual impact on a rocky planet like Earth and study its effects. Secondly, an impact would be able to dig deep and expose the underlying layers where the rovers are unable to reach. This will enable astronomers to study the geological history of the planet on a scale not possible with any rover we sent now or ever.

Post by **Airconvent** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 1:05 am

boothee wrote:How about "Twin Rovers"?

According to the report, they are presently far away from the impact zone but near enough to study its effect. But I do suspect alot if dust would be thrown into the atmosphere and affect power production on the rovers. As it is Spirit is already fighting for survival with only 40% power production capacity due to dust on its solar panels. Scientists are not sure if it can generate enough heat to survive the winter.

Robin Lee · Post by **Robin Lee** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 6:18 pm

This indeed is going to be a nice show. I'm watching. By the way, are you guys going to hold any event to show to the public in live? I'm going to attach a planetary camera to my lx90 to share the show with my fellow friends in school.

I HOPE it will hit.

boothee · Post by **boothee** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 10:29 pm

Kim Miau wrote:This indeed is going to be a nice show. I'm watching. By the way, are you guys going to hold any event to show to the public in live? I'm going to attach a planetary camera to my lx90 to share the show with my fellow friends in school.
I HOPE it will hit.

Will it be possible to see from earth base telescopes?

boothee

Robin Lee · Post by **Robin Lee** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 8:45 pm

I think so. I'm yet to find out the size of the asteroid.