Chapter 1: The Threat of Asteroids

Asteroids pose a significant danger to Earth, and addressing this risk is crucial. In a prior article, I discussed a method for addressing space debris, and I propose a similar approach for asteroids. The idea involves using water 'globs' to decelerate incoming asteroids by mitigating their impact and altering their trajectories.

According to Lisbdnet.com, if an asteroid approaches with a velocity between 18 km/s and 30 km/s, we can create water 'globs' in space and above Earth to reduce its speed. Calculations suggest that between 1.8e+13 and 3e+13 liters of water could effectively slow down an asteroid traveling at these speeds enough to avoid Earth's gravitational pull. The estimated cost for this operation ranges from $9.81e+17 to $1.635e+18, but in the event of a catastrophic asteroid threat, financial considerations may be secondary.

The existing methods for asteroid intervention have included options such as detonating the asteroid or utilizing satellites to alter its orbit through gravitational forces. However, destroying an asteroid poses a risk: the resulting fragments could lead to widespread devastation, with mini-asteroids raining down and increasing global temperatures. Although scientists believe that high-mass satellites can nudge asteroids off course, I contend that this is not the most effective approach. Other alternatives, like using powerful lasers or attaching small rockets to asteroids, have been suggested, but they all require a significant lead time for implementation, emphasizing the importance of early detection.

In contrast, the water 'glob' technique is feasible with current technology. This method should be reserved for urgent situations where there isn’t enough time to deploy a satellite or when the cost of launching water is less than that of a high-mass satellite. It could also be useful for rapidly moving asteroids that we fail to detect in time. Ultimately, the water 'glob' strategy appears to be our most reliable defense against dire asteroid scenarios.

If we cannot redirect an asteroid using gravitational forces from satellites, our final option should involve creating "cushioning" water 'globs' to slow its impact. Ideally, these water 'globs' would reduce the asteroid's velocity sufficiently to prevent a collision with Earth. Furthermore, if the asteroid becomes entangled in a water 'glob,' it could potentially be mined for resources. This dual function—avoiding impact and extracting resources—highlights the strategy's utility.

By utilizing larger water 'globs,' we can capture asteroids and harvest their resources, turning a potential disaster into an opportunity. This approach not only mitigates the dangers posed by asteroids but also allows for the utilization of their materials. Advancing our capabilities in water 'glob' technology can pave the way for harvesting these celestial bodies while simultaneously addressing the issue of space debris.

Surviving in the universe may ultimately depend on our ability to transform the threat of asteroids into an advantage. By employing water 'glob' nets, we can immobilize asteroids, making them both harmless and resource-rich. If we want to ensure our safety from asteroid impacts, we must prioritize both radar detection and our understanding of gravitational influence through high-mass satellites, with water 'globs' as a contingency plan.

An important challenge with the water 'glob' method is that, in the vacuum of space, water molecules can evaporate due to their lowered boiling point. To prevent this, we must protect the water 'globs' from solar heat. With a pressure of 0.00005 pounds per square inch absolute (PSIA), water boils at an extremely low temperature of -67.78°C (-90°F). Thus, maintaining appropriate temperatures and pressures in the water 'globs' is essential to their effectiveness. If humanity faces an asteroid threat, forming these barriers should be a top priority, requiring swift and organized efforts.

Navigating the complexities of asteroid defense is challenging, but innovative solutions like the water 'glob' strategy could significantly enhance humanity's longevity against rogue asteroids.

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Chapter 2: Proposed Solutions

The first video titled "LeetCode 735. Asteroid Collision (Solution Explained)" details strategies for managing asteroid collisions, providing further insights into potential solutions.

The second video "Destroying Asteroids | LEETCODE - 2126 | Easy solution" discusses simpler methods for asteroid destruction, complementing the strategies explored in this article.