Subscribe free to our newsletters via your
. 24/7 Space News .




DEEP IMPACT
Southampton scientist investigates Russian meteor
by Staff Writers
Southampton UK (SPX) Mar 13, 2013


Scientists have suggested that the energy released in the blast was equivalent to 500 kilotonnes of TNT.

Dr Hugh Lewis, Lecturer in Aerospace Engineering, has analysed the recent extraordinary Russian meteor event using the "NEOImpactor" tool, which was developed by researchers from the University and designed to investigate the risks faced by the Earth from asteroid impacts.

On the morning of Friday 15 February, an asteroid estimated to be the size of a five-storey building entered the atmosphere over the Urals region of Russia and disintegrated.

It generated a blastwave that blew out windows and damaged buildings in the city of Chelyabinsk, injuring more than 1000 people. Just a few hours later, the world witnessed the 40 metre asteroid 2012 DA14 pass between the Earth and the ring of geostationary satellites; the closest approach of an object this size for a century.

Dr Lewis explained the significance of the event: "This is the first time that we've seen injuries resulting from a collision between the Earth and an asteroid. I think that what surprised most people was the scale of the damage from a relatively small object and the fact that we didn't have any warning."

In fact, the asteroid's size explains the lack of warning, he said.

"Small asteroids are very difficult to spot with telescopes because they only reflect a little sunlight."

Scientists have suggested that the energy released in the blast was equivalent to 500 kilotonnes of TNT.

Using the NEOImpactor tool and estimates of the size, speed and path, Dr Lewis simulated the flight of the meteor up to the point where it disintegrated above Chelyabinsk. NEOImpactor then provided an estimate of the number of people affected by the shockwave and the cost of damage to the buildings in the region.

"The results show that a few thousand people in the Chelyabinsk region could have been affected by the blastwave with damage to the surrounding area costing about 100 million dollars, which fits with what happened, " he said.

"The number of people living in this part of Russia is quite low except for those in a few towns and cities, such as Chelyabinsk. So, even a small change in the path of the meteor would likely have resulted in fewer casualties," he added. "In fact, the number of casualties we might expect for an asteroid of this size is very close to zero."

However, Dr Lewis also explained what might have happened if the meteor had arrived on the same trajectory but a few hours later.

"The city of Newcastle Upon Tyne is at the same latitude as Chelyabinsk. Had the meteor arrived about four hours later, on the same trajectory, the blastwave could have had similar consequences for the UK city."

Dr Lewis also used the NEOImpactor tool to investigate the possible consequences of larger asteroids colliding with the Earth. In the last month, the Earth has experienced an approach by the 330 metre asteroid 2004 MN, also called "Apophis", and the smaller, 40 metre asteroid 2012 DA14, which made its closest approach just hours after the meteor over Russia.

For an asteroid the size of 2012 DA14, NEOImpactor estimated that 10,000 people could be affected, on average, if it impacted anywhere in the world. In contrast, an average of nearly one million people could be affected if asteroid Apophis were to collide with the Earth, with many more casualties arising if it impacted in a densely populated region.

Most of the asteroids and comets over one kilometre in size that are potentially hazardous to the Earth have been identified, their orbits around the sun calculated and impacts have been ruled out for the next 100 years. What's more, telescopes are now being used to look for smaller asteroids.

However, the event in Russia has highlighted the need to continue to invest in such sky surveys and to develop an effective plan of action in case an asteroid is discovered on a collision course with the Earth.

Coincidentally, such a plan was being discussed at the Vienna meeting of the United Nations Action Team 14 on Near Earth Objects at the time of the Russian meteor event. The UK plays a key role in this Team.

"NEOImpactor, and similar tools being developed at the University, can help to support the planning of mitigation measures," Dr Lewis said, "as they provide important context that can shape decisions."

In spite of the recent, dramatic demonstration of the risks posed by asteroids, there is reason to be optimistic about the future, he added:

"The human race already has the technology to deflect an asteroid if we are given sufficient warning."

In fact, Dr Lewis is currently using the tools developed at the University within a European-wide project investigating mitigation options for the European Space Agency (ESA). The outputs from this work will help to support ESA's role in the global response to the asteroid threat.

.


Related Links
University of Southampton
Asteroid and Comet Impact Danger To Earth - News and Science






Comment on this article via your Facebook, Yahoo, AOL, Hotmail login.

Share this article via these popular social media networks
del.icio.usdel.icio.us DiggDigg RedditReddit GoogleGoogle








DEEP IMPACT
Waves Generated by Russian Meteor Recorded Crossing the US
Washington DC (SPX) Mar 08, 2013
A network of seismographic stations recorded spectacular signals from the blast waves of the meteor that landed near Chelyabinsk, Russia, as the waves crossed the United States. The National Science Foundation- (NSF) supported stations are used to study earthquakes and the Earth's deep interior. While thousands of earthquakes around the globe are recorded by seismometers in these sta ... read more


DEEP IMPACT
Lunar impacts created seas of molten rock

China to use modified rocket for moon landing mission

Water On The Moon: It's Been There All Along

Building a lunar base with 3D printing

DEEP IMPACT
Maryland explores adaptations strategies for survival on Mars

NASA rover finds conditions once suited to life on Mars

Curiosity Rover's Recovery Moving Forward

NASA Rover Finds Conditions Once Suited for Ancient Life on Mars

DEEP IMPACT
Technology to detect Alzheimer's takes SXSW prize

Basketball legend Shaq talks tech at SXSW

UK and Kazakhstan agree collaboration in space

Wyle To Provide NASA Ongoing Support For Human Space Flight

DEEP IMPACT
China's fourth space launch center to be in use in two years

China to launch new manned spacecraft

Woman expected again to join next China crew roster

China's space station will be energy-efficient

DEEP IMPACT
'Goody Bag' Filled With Sample Processing Supplies Arrives on Station

ESA's Columbus Biolab Facility

SpaceX set for third mission to space station

Record Number of Students Control ISS Camera

DEEP IMPACT
Grasshopper Successfully Completes 80M Hover Slam

Musk: 'I'd like to die on Mars'

Ariane 5 vehicle for next ATV resupply mission in Kourou

Vega launcher integration continues for its April mission

DEEP IMPACT
Astronomers Conduct First Remote Reconnaissance of Another Solar System

The Birth of a Giant Planet?

Scientists spot birth of giant planet

NASA's Kepler Mission Discovers Tiny Planet System

DEEP IMPACT
Aspirin may lower melanoma risk

NIST quantum refrigerator offers extreme cooling and convenience

Researchers Solve Riddle of What Has Been Holding Two Unlikely Materials Together

Star-shaped waves spotted in shaken fluid




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2014 - Space Media Network. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA Portal Reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement