In the movie Armageddon, would there really be moon like gravity on an asteroid the size of Texas?

Answer 1

Don't get me started on the scientific inaccuracies of that movie! From the very first scene where flaming meteorites are demolishing the space shuttle, to the end of the movie, it's complete and total BS. Meteorites don't ignite until they enter the atmosphere! The artificial gravity on Mir was in the wrong direction. Their depiction of the gravity situation was inconsistent and laughable.

But all my griping aside, the answer is yes, an asteroid does have gravity. I forget the names, but they've found an asteroid with a smaller one orbiting it. The gravity of an asteroid would be very weak, though, probably a lot weaker than shown in the movie, and nowhere near lunar gravity. You wouldn't be able to walk on one of these.

Answer 2

Let's see. Gravity on the Moon: 1.6 m/s^2
Size of Texas: 1244 km.

So an asteroid "the size of Texas" would have a diameter of 1244 km, or a radius of 622,000 m. Using the formula g = (G*m)/r^2, we can calculate the mass needed to make it's gravity equal the Moon.

m = (a*r^2)/G, m = (1.6 * 622,000^2)/6.67e-11 = 9.28e+21 kg.
That's about 1/8 the mass of the Moon.

Now for size. Given the formula V = 4/3*pi*r^3:
V = 4/3 * pi * 622,000^3 = 1.01e+18 m^3

Divide the mass by the volume, you get 9,188 kg/m^3.

That's three times more dense than the Moon. Since the moon is made mostly of SiO2, atomic weight 30, this asteroid would have to be made of something three times heavier. Not even iron would not make it that heavy. It would have to be a huge chunk of solid gold or lead to be that dense.

So short answer, no. An asteroid the size of Texas would not have gravity like the Moon.

If it were made of material similar to the Earth and Moon, a gravity of 0.6 m/s^2, about 1/20th Earth gravity, would be more realistic.

BTW, these are rough, back-of-the-envelope calculations. But they should in the ballpark.

Answer 3

The only way that could possibly happen is if that particular asteroid was unbelievably dense, most asteroids don't have that kind of gravitational field.

Gravity strength is a direct function of the amount of mass an object has, the greater the mass the greater it's gravitational pull.

Most asteroids are usually made of iron, and even iron doesn't have the kind of density necessary to give it a gravitational pull on par with the moon even if it's the size of texas.

Answer 4

properly, the moon could be greater often than not affected, not us. on the beginning up, anyhow. Then the moon could maximum in all probability wreck off, and chunks of the moon could come crashing into earth. There would not be earthquakes, in the experience that earthquakes are generated by the earth. even although, the place the chunks of the moon strikes the earth, there'll be an earthquake-like ripple result which will knock down homes for miles and miles. Tsunamis-defenitely. And your canine-your canine has basically as lots of of undertaking at residing as you do-possibly greater. Animals have a tendency to experience mess ups like this, and so as that they take the nessecary precautions-aka working away. Your canine is possibly safer than you're. additionally, the moon will probably finally end up finding lots like the moon Miranda, that's a moon that maximum in all probability suffered an identical destiny as you propose our moon will, and alter into pulled lower back at the same time by gravity. that's a lopsided little element, with extensive cliffs and canyons. yet do not difficulty, scientists have discovered no asteroids that vast on a collision direction with the moon so some distance, and the probabilities of such an come upon occuring on your lifetime... close to to 0. hint: do not watch those Discovery channel doom-prediction worst-case-state of affairs catastrophe shows. They scare the heck outta you. :D

Answer 5

In a word, no. The surface gravity of an object is determined by it's mass, density and it's diameter. For a big asteroid to have moon like gravity, it would have to be made of something much denser than even lead and uranium.

Answer 6

There would be gravity, but depending on the density of the asteroid/comet, it would be - for people - like walking underwater, with just enough gravity to keep people from flying away while walking carefully. Jumping or leaping could cause you to "fly" several dozen meters / hundreds of feet because you "can't" land unless you grab onto something. It would actually be cool in some ways, but other ways, not so much.

Answer 7

Depends. It's hard to say. It will have gravity not as generally not as much as the moon but if the asteroid is made up of some dense element, known to man or not known to man, it could.

Answer 8

well, it would depend on the density of the matter. but, in the movie the asteroid didn't really have gravity. if i recall correctly the had special packs on there backs with little fans or something to keep them on the ground. but it could very well be possible...since no one has ever been on an asteroid, its hard to tell.

Answer 9

Not likely, but if the asteroid was very dense rock and metal its possible. But it appears from recent close observations that most asteroids are not solid rocks so much as rubble piles held together rather weakly by gravity.

Answer 10

I guess it would depend on the MASS of the asteroid, wouldn't it. I mean, wouldn't it? Isn't it common sense that tells you that the asteroid would have to be made of something incredibly dense to have a lunar-like gravity?

And isn't it common sense knowledge that tells you that the movie "Armageddon" is just that, a MOVIE, a Hollywood fiction, NOT FACTUAL, a fiction, for entertainment purposes?
Isn't that just using plain old ordinary COMMON SENSE?

It would be refreshing if you would use a little common sense.