Extra Credit (10 pts) - external threats to Earth
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Jan 9, 2024
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Extra Credit (10 pts) - external threats
to Earth
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25 unread replies.
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25 replies.
Participation in the following discussion will result in up to 10 points being added
to your final point total for the class.
Apart from us humans destroying ourselves, there are a number of potential external threats
to our survival and to that of Earth itself. Watch the following videos and discuss something
you found interesting, as well as anything you found unclear or not supported with enough
evidence, that you would like to find out more about. In addition, consider commenting on
whether you believe some of these threats warrant more of our attention. Which do you
think should be of greatest concern to us? Should we focus more resources on ways to
prevent "killer" asteroids? Which of the methods discussed would be your choice of stopping
an asteroid on collision course with Earth? Do you think we can survive the destruction of
Earth? Which option do you favor working on, if any, for ensuring that humans don't go
extinct in the event that Earth is rendered uninhabitable or is destroyed?
The end of Earth:
Minutes to watch:
0 to 6:40
Avoid a killer asteroid:
Minutes to watch:
0 to 8:35
Extinction proofing humanity:
Minutes to watch:
0 to 10:45
A few important things:
You are expected to be respectful of persons in the discussion. You certainly don't
have to agree with others, but things like name calling are unacceptable and will
result in a loss of points.
Your posts and comments should be of reasonable length and thought to count
for credit.
You should comment on at least TWO classmates' posts.
Short
answers like "Well said" or "I agree", etc., won't count for points. You need to
show substance, depth of thought, and contribution for the points.
Spelling and grammar aren't explicitly counted. However, if your
spelling/grammar is so bad as to distract from your point, you may lose some
credit.
You won't be able to see the posts of others until you make your first post.
Thanks, and have fun!
The end of Earth:
I believe that the Sun will be the cause of Earth's destruction. In less than a billion years, the
Sun will become so bright that it will render Earth uninhabitable. Although the possibility of
an asteroid colliding with Earth and causing its destruction was discussed in the video, it is
highly unlikely to occur. Similarly, the odds of two stars colliding are slim due to the vast
distances between them. It is more probable for a star to be ejected from the galaxy.
According to reliable sources like television and the internet, our galaxy's collision with
Andromeda won't affect Earth since it will already be dead by the time of the collision. The
Sun will eventually expand into a red giant in about five billion years, swallowing Mercury,
Venus, and likely Earth. However, by that time, the Sun would have been dead for four billion
years.
Avoid a killer asteroid:
When it comes to deflecting asteroids, one of the most promising methods is the gravity
tractor. This method involves using a spacecraft to fly alongside the asteroid, and by utilizing
the gravitational pull of the spacecraft, slowly steering the trajectory of the asteroid onto a
safer path. It's important to note that there are other methods available for deflecting
asteroids, but each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages to consider.
However, the gravity tractor method stands out as a low-cost solution that can be used to
deflect asteroids of varying sizes.
Extinction proofing humanity:
As explained in the PBS Space Time episode, the question of whether humans can survive
the destruction of Earth is a complex one. The episode explores several scenarios and
discusses the challenges of enduring in space. In case Earth is destroyed, several options
have been proposed to ensure the survival of humanity, including building a self-sufficient
colony on another planet, moon, or an Ark. In the event of an apocalyptic scenario rendering
Earth inhabitable, the idea of colonizing space has been proposed as a viable solution for the
long-term survival of humanity. Although the concept of colonizing a planet that already has
life poses ethical challenges, the possibility of colonizing a habitable but uninhabited world
seems to be the more feasible option for our survival. However, the road to space
colonization is fraught with challenges that must be overcome before it becomes a reality.
The mammoth cost of constructing and maintaining a space colony, together with the fact
that the technology required to sustain human life in space for extended periods is still in its
infancy, are just a few hurdles that need to be addressed. Despite the obstacles, there are
compelling reasons to believe that space colonization could be the key to securing the
survival of humanity. Furthermore, space colonization could potentially provide access to
additional natural resources and safeguard the environment of Earth. In conclusion, while
space colonization is still in its nascent stages, it is a promising avenue for ensuring our
long-term survival. Nonetheless, it is vital to approach space colonization with caution and
ethical considerations to avoid putting ourselves and other life forms in danger.
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