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General Discussion => Science & Nature => Topic started by: sam on June 30, 2010, 23:17

Title: World's Largest Digital Camera to Watch for Killer Asteroids
Post by: sam on June 30, 2010, 23:17

Quote
If a planet-destroying asteroid is headed for Earth, scientists now have a much better chance of spotting it.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/06/100622-science-space-digital-camera-asteroid-telescope/
Title: Re: World's Largest Digital Camera to Watch for Killer Asteroids
Post by: Clive on July 01, 2010, 06:48
A 300 metre asteroid will cause major devastation.  What can the telescope do to prevent it crashing into Earth?   :bawl:
Title: Re: World's Largest Digital Camera to Watch for Killer Asteroids
Post by: Simon on July 01, 2010, 10:07
That's quite big, isn't it?  :horror:
Title: Re: World's Largest Digital Camera to Watch for Killer Asteroids
Post by: GillE on July 01, 2010, 10:55
Quote from: Clive on July 01, 2010, 06:48
A 300 metre asteroid will cause major devastation.  What can the telescope do to prevent it crashing into Earth?   :bawl:

Nothing, but streamed live images will form the basis of a fantastic reality show for Channel 4.
Title: Re: World's Largest Digital Camera to Watch for Killer Asteroids
Post by: Simon on July 01, 2010, 11:32
Even better if it landed on the Big Brother house!  :devil:
Title: Re: World's Largest Digital Camera to Watch for Killer Asteroids
Post by: Clive on July 01, 2010, 19:06
It could be billed as The Ultimate Reality Show.  ;D
Title: Re: World's Largest Digital Camera to Watch for Killer Asteroids
Post by: sam on July 01, 2010, 19:14
Quote from: Clive on July 01, 2010, 06:48
A 300 metre asteroid will cause major devastation.  What can the telescope do to prevent it crashing into Earth?   :bawl:

focus laser beams at it...
Title: Re: World's Largest Digital Camera to Watch for Killer Asteroids
Post by: Clive on July 01, 2010, 19:25
Not sure if that would work.  Would it not break it up into many smaller pieces and cause multiple hits?   :dunno:   
Title: Re: World's Largest Digital Camera to Watch for Killer Asteroids
Post by: Simon on July 01, 2010, 22:12
Quote from: Clive on July 01, 2010, 19:25
Not sure if that would work.  Would it not break it up into many smaller pieces and cause multiple hits?   :dunno:   

So that's the Big Brother House, the X Factor studios, overseas call centres, the Houses of Parliament, France... anyone want to continue?  ;D
Title: Re: World's Largest Digital Camera to Watch for Killer Asteroids
Post by: Clive on July 01, 2010, 22:58
 :pmsl:
Title: Re: World's Largest Digital Camera to Watch for Killer Asteroids
Post by: GillE on July 01, 2010, 23:04
Quote from: sam on July 01, 2010, 19:14
focus laser beams at it...

In an attempt to blind the pilot?  I hate to break the news to you, Sam, what with you being an astro-physicist and all, but...

 ;D
Title: Re: World's Largest Digital Camera to Watch for Killer Asteroids
Post by: sam on July 02, 2010, 00:34
to blow up the asteroid  ;)