Ultimate Asteroid Impact Simulator

Welcome to Asteroid Academy!

In this interactive learning experience, you'll discover fascinating facts about asteroids and how our simulation calculates impact scenarios.

Did you know? Asteroids are rocky objects that orbit the Sun, mostly found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

What Are Asteroids?

Asteroids are remnants from the early formation of our solar system about 4.6 billion years ago. They vary in size from tiny pebbles to objects hundreds of kilometers across.

The largest asteroid, Ceres, is about 940 km in diameter and is also classified as a dwarf planet.

Asteroid Trajectories

An asteroid's path through space is determined by gravity and its initial velocity. The angle of approach dramatically affects whether it impacts Earth or safely passes by.

Approach Angle: 45°

Steeper angles (closer to 90°) increase the likelihood of impact, while shallow angles often result in a near miss.

Impact Physics

When an asteroid impacts Earth, the energy released depends on its mass and velocity. The kinetic energy is calculated using the formula:

E = ½ × m × v²
Where E is energy, m is mass, and v is velocity.

Diameter: 1.0 km

Velocity: 20 km/s

Impact Energy: 0 megatons of TNT

This energy is what causes the devastating effects of an impact, from crater formation to global climate changes.

Test Your Knowledge

Let's see how much you've learned about asteroid impacts with this quick quiz.

Which factor has the greatest influence on an asteroid's impact energy?

Asteroid diameter

Impact velocity

Approach angle

Asteroid composition

Impact Challenge

Now it's time for a challenge! Try to create an impact scenario with specific parameters.

🌍 Regional Impact Challenge

Create an asteroid impact that causes regional devastation without being extinction-level.

Target Diameter

1.0 - 2.5 km

Target Velocity

15 - 25 km/s

Target Energy

50,000 - 200,000 MT

Impact Location

Ocean (to minimize casualties)

Your Diameter: 1.0 km

Your Velocity: 20 km/s

Try It Yourself!

Now that you understand the basics, try experimenting with different asteroid parameters in the main simulation to see how they affect the impact scenario.

Remember: This is just a simulation. In reality, NASA and other space agencies are working on planetary defense strategies to protect Earth.

ASTEROIDS

🌍 Near-Earth Objects

☄️ Asteroid Controls

📚 Interactive Learning