This project is based on recent reports that identified (mistakenly, as it turned out) an object that would collide with the earth in the year 2028. We also recently witnessed the spectacular collision of Comet Shoemaker-Levy with Jupiter. How likely is it that such a collision can occur on earth? Can we do something to prevent this from happening?
There is a project (run by NASA and based at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California) that seeks to catalogue such objects (called Near-Earth Objects, or NEO's). The proponents of this project think it is very underfunded. Is it? This project should give you some insight into this question. In order to answer this question, you need to ask yourself: a) what the chances are of such a collision; b) what would happen if you do have such a collision. The first part deals with the risk of such a collision, and the second deals with the cost (in terms of survival of humans and other organisms on the planet). Your decision on funding would depend on the analysis of risk versus cost.
In doing this, try to be realistic, not dramatic. You are writing a scientific analysis, not a movie script!! Wherever possible, talk about the Physics of the issue.
So here goes:
1. An extraterrestrial object has been discovered on a collision course with the Earth. (It is natural, not an alien spacecraft!)
a. What is it (comet or asteroid)? Decide on one. Describe what it is made of.
b. How big is it? Size matters here. Decide how big you want your object to be. Remember, the bigger the object, the easier it would be to spot it, but the harder it will be to move it around.
c. What is its speed? You'll need to look up (in books or in the web) the average speed of a comet or an asteroid. You'll need this information in order to discuss the effects of the collision.
d. How long do we have before it hits? This will depend on b) and c). It will also depend on the technology available (telescopes, etc.) Assume today's technology, not some fancy futuristic stuff!
2. What can we do about it?
a. Can we intercept it? Again this will depend on 1b, 1c, 1d, and on technology (rockets and such). Assume today's technology!
b. Can we push it off its current course? If so, how do we do this? How much do we need to push it off course? Remember, it's not enough for it to graze the surface of the earth!
c. Can we destroy it? What happens if we do this? Can we blow it up into little pieces? How can we do this? How little should the pieces be if we are to escape annihilation?
3. If the object hits, what are the consequences?
a. There have been other collisions. What were the effects of these? See if you can find stuff about the consequences of such a collision (from big and small objects).
b. If this particular object hits, where will it hit? (Land or sea? Populated or unpopulated area? Try to make this realistic, not to edify your desire for the dramatic!) Does it make any difference where it hits?
c. Once you have decided where it will hit, what are the consequences?
This goes back to the answer to 3b.