Should humans meddle with the solar system? We have been to the Moon. We have sent rovers to Mars. Now, we are moving rocks in space. Is it right?
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Launched! Spacecraft to slam into asteroid
Should humans meddle with the solar system? We have been to the Moon. We have sent rovers to Mars. Now, we are moving rocks in space. Is it right?
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What's happening?
A rocket has launched into space. It is not going to the Moon or Mars. It is aiming to smash into a rock in space.
Find out more
AsteroidsSmall bodies in space, made of metal and rock material. Asteroids usually orbit the sun, but if knocked off course they can be drawn into Earth's gravity and fall towards it. are rocks that orbitProxima b's orbit lasts 11.2 Earth days. planets in space. Usually, they are safe. But if a big one lands on Earth it can be very dangerous.
NASA has built a spacecraft to protect us. It is called Dart. It is 160m long.
Dart will fly towards asteroids and push them so that they change direction. This will stop them ever coming near Earth.
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Should humans meddle with the solar system?
Some say
Yes! If an asteroid hit Earth, it could destroy all life. We cannot risk this!
Others think
No. We have meddled with our planet and caused the climate crisis. We should learn from our mistakes!
Keywords
Asteroids - Small bodies in space, made of metal and rock material. Asteroids usually orbit the sun, but if knocked off course they can be drawn into Earth's gravity and fall towards it.
Orbit - Proxima b's orbit lasts 11.2 Earth days.
Launched! Spacecraft to slam into asteroid
© The Day Glossary
Asteroids - Small bodies in space, made of metal and rock material. Asteroids usually orbit the sun, but if knocked off course they can be drawn into Earth’s gravity and fall towards it.
Orbit - Proxima b's orbit lasts 11.2 Earth days.