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could_use_a_snack t1_jap1qve wrote

Reply to comment by CptHammer_ in NASA’s DART data validates kinetic impact as planetary defense method | DART altered the orbit of the asteroid moonlet Dimorphos by 33 minutes by mepper

You make some good points.

This is not what they did however. They didn't aim an asteroid anywhere. They caused it to change its orbit.

Yes you can move an asteroid to orbit a planet, but it will take years to do this. Making several minor adjustments over a long period of time. Not a great way to fire a weapon if everyone can see what you are doing for 3 years.

And the mill towns I've seen (I live in one that isn't one anymore) are always right next to the forest, if not in the middle. Moving huge trees is costly, you mill them as close to the source as possible and then transport the finished product to its destination.

And. If you did teach physics, I feel sorry for your students, anyone that doesn't want to see science funded shouldn't be teaching it.

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CptHammer_ t1_japefzp wrote

>Not a great way to fire a weapon if everyone can see what you are doing for 3 years.

I don't think they're trying to hide it. Did you skip past the part where I said putting them in lunar orbit? It would take a push of the button at precisely the right time to send one to earth. Once they've been reduced to the appropriate size for the deviation they want to cause.

Even worse is if I'm wrong and a government isn't behind it but a terrorist. I'm telling you any perceived good is outweighed by the inevitable bad.

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could_use_a_snack t1_jaq2wgn wrote

Wait, are you suggesting that what would amount to a trillion dollar industry capable of getting multiple asteroids into orbit around the moon, will be accomplished by a terrorist organization?

I'm done talking to you. You are just being ridiculous now.

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CptHammer_ t1_jaqo8hh wrote

No, I'm saying once the benevolent portion of the plan is finished a terrorist could turn it into a weapon. I don't care how benevolent a plan you suggest any new technology will be weaponized.

It's like you're trying to suggest terrorists invented bombs with their own R&D to come to the conclusion you did.

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