Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: thedoc on 13/06/2014 02:30:01

Title: What would happen if an asteroid hit the moon?
Post by: thedoc on 13/06/2014 02:30:01

Rob asked the Naked Scientists:
   
I have a question about the effects an asteroid impact on our moon would have on the Earth. Two parts to my question:

1.) What could the possible effects on Earth be, should the Moon receive a significant asteroid strike? (Tide influence, debris hitting us, etc)

2.) What size would the asteroid striking the moon need to be to affect us here on Earth?

I base these questions on a documentary i saw recently which stated that an asteroid around 10km in diameter striking the Earth would result in extinction of most or all life on Earth.

Regards
Rob Horsman

What do you think?