Comets
Synopsis
A one-mile-wide comet crashing into Earth at over 20,000 miles an hour could cause catastrophic damage, as evidenced by the extinction of the dinosaurs.
Synopsis
Planetary scientist Carrie Liss discusses the catastrophic impact of a comet that struck Earth 65 million years ago, leading to the extinction of the dinosaurs. Comets, which have traveled through the solar system for 4.6 billion years, hold vital clues about the formation of planets and the origins of life. The documentary examines ongoing missions, including the Rosetta spacecraft, which aims to land on a comet and assess its resources. These celestial bodies may one day serve as water and fuel sources for future space exploration.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Find out how comets shaped Earth's history.
- See the catastrophic effects of a comet impact.
- Meet scientists studying comets for future space exploration.
Did You Know
- Comets have been flying around our solar system for 4.6 billion years.
- A comet or asteroid impact 65 million years ago is believed to have caused the extinction of the dinosaurs.
- The impact from a 6-mile wide comet had the force of 1 trillion tons of TNT.
- Comets can travel at speeds over 20,000 miles an hour.
Perfect For
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast do comets travel in our solar system?
Comets hurdle around us at over 20,000 miles an hour.
What was the size of the comet or asteroid that is believed to have caused the extinction of the dinosaurs?
A 6 mile wide comet or asteroid hit Earth at over 20,000 mph.
What resources do comets contain that could be useful for space exploration?
Comets contain water, which can be broken down into hydrogen and oxygen for rocket fuel.
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