Comets: From Omens to Cosmic Threats

The video explores the historical and scientific perspectives on comets, from being seen as omens to being understood as celestial objects. It highlights Edmond Halley's contributions to comet science and discusses the potential threats comets pose to Earth. The video also considers the role of comets in delivering water and organic molecules to Earth, possibly aiding the development of life. A hypothetical scenario of a comet impact near San Francisco illustrates the potential catastrophic effects.

In ancient times, how were comets generally perceived by people?

• As omens of disaster or divine wrath

• As celestial objects with predictable orbits

• As sources of water for Earth

• As signs of good fortune

What significant contribution did Edmond Halley make to the study of comets?

• He found that comets were not real

• He proved comets were made of ice

• He discovered the first comet

• He calculated the orbits of 24 comets

How did Halley's discovery change the perception of comets?

• From mystical omens to physical threats

• From celestial objects to mythical creatures

• From sources of water to sources of fire

• From harmless entities to beneficial ones

What role do scientists believe comets played in Earth's history?

• They created the Earth's atmosphere

• They brought essential elements for life

• They were responsible for the formation of mountains

• They caused the extinction of the dinosaurs

What is one theory about how Earth's water originated?

• It was formed by chemical reactions in the atmosphere

• It came from volcanic eruptions

• It was delivered by comets

• It was always present on Earth

What is a major challenge in dealing with a comet on a collision course with Earth?

• Comets travel too slowly to be a threat

• There is often not enough time to prepare a mission

• Comets are made of indestructible material

• Comets are too small to detect

Why is shooting down a comet not a viable option?

• It would cause the comet to change direction

• Comets are invisible to radar

• Comets are too fast to target

• It would create a collection of fragments

What would be the immediate effect of a comet impact on the ocean surface?

• It would cause a tsunami

• It would vaporize the water almost immediately

• It would create a new island

• It would freeze the water

What kind of natural disaster would a comet impact likely trigger in San Francisco?

• A volcanic eruption

• A hurricane

• A tornado

• A 9.0 earthquake

What would happen to structures in San Francisco as a result of a comet impact?

• They would remain intact

• They would be reinforced

• They would become fireproof

• They would shatter and collapse