Fly By or Collide? Apophis and Near-Earth Objects (NEOs)
Apophis is a “Near-Earth Object” (NEO) that gained a lot of attention because of its size and the possibility that it could collide with Earth. While there is still a slight chance that a collision could occur, it is not as likely as originally thought. Because of the potential for Apophis to hit Earth, NASA researchers gathered information on Apophis and continue to explore space for other NEOs that could impact Earth. Understanding information about how objects move in space allows us to predict possible collisions between other NEOs and Earth and figure out ways to prevent collisions or lessen the damage of an impact.
Your Mission:
Mission briefing: You will be part of a team that researches and provides solutions for approaching near Earth objects (NEOs). This mission will require knowledge of science as well as creativity and innovation for solutions that are feasible and minimize negative consequences. The goals and details are outlined in the following goals, roles, audience, situation, and products.
Goals:
1. To learn how to predict the motion of objects in space to provide a warning of impending collisions between Earth and NEOs.
2. To develop solutions to prevent catastrophic collisions between Earth and NEOs.
Roles:
Your group will be a research team of scientists dedicated to learning about NEOs and developing solutions for Earth - NEO collisions.
Audience:
Your audience is both other scientists and the public. Your team should be able to accurately explain the science behind your ideas in a way that is clear and understandable.
Situation:
Apophis attracted a lot of attention because of its size and proximity to Earth. The potential for an impact was uncertain at first. Scientists now believe a collision with Apophis is unlikely in the near future. However, NEOs continue to be discovered and the possibility of Earth one day colliding with one is something to monitor. To understand and prepare for such a collision, we need to know how to predict movements and possible solutions to mitigate negative consequences.
Products:
You will be able to show your understanding in a variety of ways outlined below.
While you are learning:
- A model that is revised over time and a journal of your information and ideas.
- Worksheets, organizers, summary table, and journal (notebook) to track information.
- One-pagers and DEFEND responses.
At the end of the project, you may choose to present your information as:
- A poster presentation (visuals and written parts).
- A video (like a news report or a recorded informational session).
- A written report.
- A working model or computer simulation.
- Other ideas?
1. To learn how to predict the motion of objects in space to provide a warning of impending collisions between Earth and NEOs.
2. To develop solutions to prevent catastrophic collisions between Earth and NEOs.
Roles:
Your group will be a research team of scientists dedicated to learning about NEOs and developing solutions for Earth - NEO collisions.
Audience:
Your audience is both other scientists and the public. Your team should be able to accurately explain the science behind your ideas in a way that is clear and understandable.
Situation:
Apophis attracted a lot of attention because of its size and proximity to Earth. The potential for an impact was uncertain at first. Scientists now believe a collision with Apophis is unlikely in the near future. However, NEOs continue to be discovered and the possibility of Earth one day colliding with one is something to monitor. To understand and prepare for such a collision, we need to know how to predict movements and possible solutions to mitigate negative consequences.
Products:
You will be able to show your understanding in a variety of ways outlined below.
While you are learning:
- A model that is revised over time and a journal of your information and ideas.
- Worksheets, organizers, summary table, and journal (notebook) to track information.
- One-pagers and DEFEND responses.
At the end of the project, you may choose to present your information as:
- A poster presentation (visuals and written parts).
- A video (like a news report or a recorded informational session).
- A written report.
- A working model or computer simulation.
- Other ideas?
