Computer Modeling/Simulation: Asteroid Collision

by William Volpe

Submitted : Spring 2011

Asteroids have always been a threat to planets due to the massive amounts of energy they travel with. Many asteroids pose no threat to Earth due to Earth’s atmosphere. The drag generated on impact is often enough to dissipate small asteroids. Scientists have studied the impacts left by asteroids and now track asteroids that pose a significant threat to our planet. To track asteroids scientist use computer modeling software to analyze the path and possible impact areas of the asteroid. To track them accurately the computer uses equations to calculate impact speed, force, energy, and drag which then allows the scientists to analyze the asteroid and assess the situation.

[ Back ]