1. Can the Langton save the world from Deep Impact?
Near Earth Objects
Can the Langton save the world from Deep Impact?

2. Deep Impact

3. You may not have seen that film about an asteroid impacting on Earth
The physics was modelled on a real impact of the comet Shoemaker Levy 9 on Jupiter in 1994

7. Recognised Impact Structures on Earth

11. No alarm required because large asteroids are monitored by the US military
We do have a part to play at the Langton Star Centre
Your task is on the next slide should you wish to take up the challenge
The message will self destruct in 10 seconds if not viewed

12. NEO challenge Your task is to
estimate the effect of impacts of various sizes by experiment
Research background information on NEOs
What effects have they had in the past?
Why do we not see many impact craters on Earth?
Do we have some protection from another planet in the Solar System?
What can be done to divert the path of a NEO from collision with Earth?

13. Present your findings as a short presentation to be given in the final lesson

14. Two fantastic websites
NASA
Earth Impact database

15. The Jupiter debate – does it protect the Earth or not?
Background references

16. Further websites Spaceguard Centre UK http://spaceguarduk.com/
European Space Agency

17. Astronomy image of the day November 3rd 2008
Did an asteroid impact wipe out the Dinosaurs?