Could a Comet Hit Mars in 2014?

discovery.com ^ | Feb 25, 2013 01:12 PM ET // | by Ian O'Neill

[BenLurkin]

A recently discovered comet will make an uncomfortably-close planetary flyby next year — but this time it’s not Earth that’s in the cosmic crosshairs.

According to preliminary orbital prediction models, comet C/2013 A1 will buzz Mars on Oct. 19, 2014.

According to calculations by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), close approach data suggests the comet is most likely to make a close pass of 0.0007 AU (that’s approximately 63,000 miles from the Martian surface). However, there’s one huge caveat.

Due to uncertainties in the observations — the comet has only been observed for 74 days (so far), so it’s difficult for astronomers to forecast the comet’s precise location in 20 months time — comet C/2013 A1 may fly past at a very safe distance of 0.008 AU (650,000 miles). But to the other extreme, its orbital pass could put Mars directly in its path. At time of Mars close approach (or impact), the comet will be barreling along at a breakneck speed of 35 miles per second

[skinkinthegrass]

thanks, for the post.
Science ping.

[fwdude]

If my calculator is working correctly, that’s 126,000 miles per hour. Wonder what the mass of the comet is.

[skinkinthegrass]

Martian Post: (Title) Martian Wymen, Chil'ren..Minorities hardest hit!

[cripplecreek]

Now that would be cool to watch not to mention gather good science.

[Red Badger]

That would cause some significant Global Warming on Mars...............

[Red Badger]

It would probably be visible with the naked eye, if the time and weather are just right.............

[Red Badger]

Mars Needs Fire Extinguishers..............

[Red Badger]

If the Mars Rovers are still operational, we might get some really up close and personal videos...........

[dfwgator]

[cripplecreek]

There are multiple orbiters around the planet but ideally we would have some landers ready to land when the dust settles.

[newheart]

Not to worry, Obama will simply declare Mars an asteroid-free zone. Problem solved, after which someone will give him an award for saving the solar system.

[balch3]

It would also set back plans for human mission to Mars by many decades, if not longer, until the orbital debris cloud settles down.

[Kartographer]

Bugs says: "No worries the Martians have it covered with their Illudium PU-36 Explosive Space Modulator!"

[brownsfan]

What does NASA know? They can’t even launch rockets anymore.

My wish is for a comet to hit Washington DC when Congress is in full session and Obama is giving a presser with LOTS and LOTS of media types there to enjoy the show.

[GraceG]

I think all these asteroids and comets as of late are a wake up call from the almighty....

The message being, WAKE UP! You need to expand past the planet before you get wiped out by nature...

[Go Gordon]

I just hope it doesn’t strike the area where the astronauts landed.

[RJS1950]

Saw a quick trailer for some “When terrorists attack” movie that is out there. It had a AC-130 circling and blasting the White Hut. Makes the imagination soar.

[ScottinVA]

My wish is for a comet to hit Washington DC when Congress is in full session and Obama is giving a presser with LOTS and LOTS of media types there to enjoy the show.

All for it.. except, let's make it a somewhat large meteorite instead... I live only 130 miles south from there.

[ScottinVA]

It would also set back plans for human mission to Mars by many decades, if not longer, until the orbital debris cloud settles down.

There are quite a few other factors moving that back by decades. America probably won't be doing that type of mission in our lifetimes.