Rendezvous with Rama: collisions in space

• Andy Winhold
• Is the object "Rama" going to collide with Earth? (Science fiction)
• Can we decide if an object (like NEOs) will collide with Earth?

Approach

1. solar system with Newtonian Gravity, velocity verlet (2D in plane)
2. add size of planets and objects
3. hyperbolic objects

Objectives

1. simulate part of solar system (sun + inner planets)
2. will Rama hit
3. if it will hit, what could we do to prevent collision? How much of a force is needed to change course?

Q&A

1. Effect on other planets, long term? --- Can look at it but might be very long term because the mass of the NEO is small.