Adam Driver Asks NASA About Asteroids

Summary

In this engaging video, actor Adam Driver discusses his role in the movie '65,' where he plays a space pilot stranded on prehistoric Earth. He questions NASA about the potential threat of asteroids, specifically if one were to impact Earth today. NASA's Kelly Fast explains the agency's efforts in planetary defense, including asteroid detection and the successful Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART). Additionally, the video touches on NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission, which aims to study asteroid Bennu for insights into the origins of life on Earth. The conversation highlights the importance of early detection and preparation to protect the planet.

Takeaways

• 😀 Adam Driver plays a space pilot in the movie '65,' where he crash-lands on prehistoric Earth 65 million years ago and discovers an asteroid threatening Earth.
• 🌍 NASA is not concerned about large asteroids hitting Earth, as most of them have been identified and tracked.
• 🚀 NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office is responsible for monitoring near-Earth objects and planning for potential asteroid impacts.
• 🔭 NASA has identified most large asteroids that could potentially cause significant damage if they impacted Earth.
• 💥 There are still smaller asteroids that could cause damage, and they remain harder to track and find.
• 🛠 NASA is working on asteroid deflection technology, with successful tests like the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) to divert asteroids from colliding with Earth.
• ⚙️ The DART mission demonstrated that a kinetic impactor could be an effective way to divert asteroids if enough time is available before the impact.
• ⏰ Early detection of asteroids is crucial for any deflection efforts to be successful.
• 🪐 NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission successfully collected a sample from the asteroid Bennu to study its composition and the origins of organic compounds and water.
• 🔬 Studying the Bennu sample helps scientists learn about the early solar system and the potential origins of life on Earth.
• 👨‍🚀 Adam Driver expresses gratitude for NASA's efforts in protecting Earth from potentially catastrophic asteroid impacts.

Q & A

What is the premise of the movie '65' that Adam Driver mentions?

Adam Driver plays a space pilot who crash lands on prehistoric Earth 65 million years ago. After his crash, he discovers an asteroid, the same one that wiped out the dinosaurs, is headed for Earth, prompting him to seek help.

How does NASA track potentially hazardous asteroids?

NASA tracks potentially hazardous asteroids through its Near-Earth Object Observations Program, which is managed by Kelly Fast. The program aims to identify and monitor large asteroids that could pose a threat to Earth.

What does NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office do?

NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office works to identify and track near-Earth objects (NEOs) that might pose a danger to Earth. In the event that an asteroid is discovered that could impact Earth, the office coordinates information and response planning.

What kind of asteroids are NASA most concerned about?

NASA is particularly concerned about asteroids that are still yet to be discovered, particularly medium-sized ones that could cause damage if they were to impact Earth. Large asteroids have largely been identified, but smaller ones still pose a threat.

What technology has NASA tested to deflect asteroids?

NASA tested the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission, which used a spacecraft to intentionally collide with an asteroid as a method of asteroid deflection. This test showed that kinetic impact could successfully change an asteroid's trajectory.

What are the key factors that determine the effectiveness of asteroid deflection technologies?

The effectiveness of asteroid deflection methods depends on the size and composition of the asteroid, as well as the time available before the predicted impact. The earlier an asteroid is detected, the more time there is to implement a deflection strategy.

Why is the OSIRIS-REx mission important?

The OSIRIS-REx mission is important because it collected samples from the asteroid Bennu, which is largely unchanged since the formation of the solar system. Studying these samples will help scientists learn about the early solar system and the origins of water and organics, which are crucial to understanding life on Earth.

What did NASA’s recent asteroid sample return mission involve?

NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission successfully collected pieces from the asteroid Bennu and brought them back to Earth. The mission's goal was to study the asteroid's composition and gather insights into the early solar system.

How does asteroid composition relate to planetary defense?

Asteroid composition is important because different materials respond differently to deflection methods. Understanding an asteroid’s composition helps determine the most effective way to deflect it, whether through kinetic impact or other means.

What role does early detection play in defending Earth from an asteroid impact?

Early detection is crucial for planetary defense. The sooner an asteroid is discovered, the more time there is to implement deflection techniques or to evacuate areas at risk. Early detection gives scientists and officials the ability to assess and mitigate the potential impact.