Re: (2681) High-speed Spaceguns

The problem with throwing things in the way of a kinetic weapon (ie- .9
c asteroids) is that sand, marbles, ANYTHING in the way would, at the
most, shatter the asteroid.

Problem: at near light speed, the pieces wouldn't deviate too much
before hitting the target. So you get a tight cluster of shots rather
than one big one. Ooo. Though at near light speed, you would probably
notice the incoming asteroid. But not in enough time to do much...

And if the asteroid is travelling much slower, you would get many
projectiles hitting. Of course, a nuke hitting one asteroid would
destroy it quite nicely.


Another problem- if you are on a long-period scale (ie- war over a year
or so), it's much easier to toss asteroids into collision orbits than to
destroy the asteroids coming at you. Especially if you time it right.
(Probably.)

Then there's space hammers. (I forget the actual term... this is close)
Essentially an immense rod of some material with a few guidance
controls. Launched at the target, they simply gather enough speed in
orbit to COLLIDE with ground targets.

Asteroids hitting earth surface can be as bad as any nuclear weapon...
including global cooling. Though they aren't radioactive, so that's a
plus (or minus... depending on how sick you are...)

- - -Me
{Pooh Bear incarnate.}