Asteroid Deflection Methods and Challenges

The video discusses the threat of rogue asteroids and NASA's three proposed plans to prevent a collision with Earth. The 'slow push' strategy involves altering an asteroid's orbit using methods like ablation, gravity tractors, and space tugs. The kinetic impact approach uses a high-density impactor to deflect asteroids but is limited to smaller objects. The nuclear option, though highly effective, faces legal and logistical challenges due to international treaties. The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to engage with SciShow.

What is the primary concern regarding rogue asteroids?

• They are too small to detect.

• Their threat to Earth is mathematically significant.

• They are only a concern in Hollywood movies.

• They pose a real threat despite being mathematically minuscule.

Which method involves using a mirror to focus sunlight on an asteroid?

• Ablation

• Space tug

• Gravity tractor

• Kinetic impact

What is a major drawback of the 'slow push' strategies?

• They are too simple to implement.

• They involve using nuclear devices.

• They are only effective on asteroids larger than 300 meters.

• They require new spacecraft and are logistically complex.

What is the kinetic impact method described as?

• The least mature approach

• The most mature approach

• A method involving nuclear explosions

• A method using mirrors

Why might kinetic impacts be ineffective on some asteroids?

• They might break into smaller asteroids.

• They are too small to be hit.

• They are only effective on gaseous asteroids.

• They require international approval.

What is the nuclear option's effectiveness compared to non-nuclear options?

• 10 times more effective

• 50 times more effective

• 100 times more effective

• 200 times more effective

What is a major legal challenge of the nuclear option?

• It is too expensive to implement.

• It needs a heavy lift launch vehicle.

• It is prohibited by the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.

• It requires a new type of warhead.

What is the recommended method of detonating a nuclear device on an asteroid?

• During a standoff explosion

• On the asteroid's surface

• Inside the asteroid

• In Earth's atmosphere

What is necessary for the nuclear option to be implemented?

• A single country's approval

• A larger asteroid

• International cooperation and approval

• A new type of spacecraft

What is the hope regarding the use of asteroid deflection plans?

• That they will be used frequently

• That they will be used for scientific research

• That they will be used for mining asteroids

• That they will never need to be used