Asteroid Density & Impact Rate - Earth vs Mars

In summary, the ratio of asteroid impacts on Mars compared to Earth depends on the diameter and density of the planets. Earth's larger diameter and higher mass make it more likely to experience asteroid impacts, while Mars' closer proximity to the asteroid belt may also contribute to a higher impact rate. The difference in atmospheric conditions between the two planets may also play a role. However, further research is needed to determine the exact impact rate on each planet.
  • #1
mersecske
186
0
What is the ratio of asteroid impacts on the Mars to the same rate on the Earth?
I think it depends on the diameter of the planets (~ diameter^2),
and on the density of asteroids.
Ca we say something about this second factor?
 
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  • #2
mersecske said:
What is the ratio of asteroid impacts on the Mars to the same rate on the Earth?
I think it depends on the diameter of the planets (~ diameter^2),
and on the density of asteroids.
Ca we say something about this second factor?

Are you allowed to just assume that the meteor flux (i.e. the number arriving per unit area and per unit time) is the same for both planets? If so, does this factor matter when computing a ratio?
 
  • #3
Yes, but this is true? This is my question. This is a good estimation?
I don't think so,
I think, it depends on the asteroid belt dynamics, and the orbit of the planet.

But what is the observation?
For example which planet suffers the most asteroid impact?
 
  • #4
In Earth's favor is not only its larger diameter, but its higher mass. Asteroids that would have otherwise made a near hit to Earth or Mars will be pulled closer due to gravity. Earth has stronger gravity than Mars. The formula is Effective Radius = True Radius * sqrt(1+2GMv^2/True Radius), where M is the mass of the planet, and v is the asteroid's velocity at infinity. So to an asteroid traveling at 10 km/s, Earth's effective radius grows by 50%, while Mars' only by 12%.

But Mars is closer to the asteroid belt. It pretty-much defines the inner edge of the asteroid belt, and it does this by getting hit enough to sweep up any asteriods whose orbits cross Mars' orbit. So I imagine Mars gets hit a lot more often than Earth.
 
  • #5
tony873004 said:
But Mars is closer to the asteroid belt. It pretty-much defines the inner edge of the asteroid belt, and it does this by getting hit enough to sweep up any asteriods whose orbits cross Mars' orbit. So I imagine Mars gets hit a lot more often than Earth.

Sorry to the OP -- I don't have the answer to your question about how the meteor flux varies between the two locations. To add to what tony873004 said, I would also point out that Mars has a thinner atmosphere. Whether this makes a different or not, well I guess we'd have to be more quantitative to find out. But it is another point seemingly in favour of a higher impact rate on Mars.
 

1. How does the density of asteroids on Earth compare to that of Mars?

On average, the density of asteroids on Earth is higher than that of Mars. This is due to Earth's larger size and stronger gravitational force, which allows it to attract and retain more asteroids in its orbit.

2. Are there more asteroid impacts on Earth or Mars?

There are more asteroid impacts on Earth than on Mars. This is because Earth's larger size and stronger gravitational force make it a bigger target for asteroids, and its thicker atmosphere causes more asteroids to burn up before reaching the surface.

3. How often do asteroid impacts occur on Earth and Mars?

Asteroid impacts occur more frequently on Earth than on Mars. On average, Earth experiences a major asteroid impact once every 100,000 years, while Mars experiences one every 1 to 2 million years.

4. What factors affect the impact rate of asteroids on Earth and Mars?

The impact rate of asteroids on Earth and Mars is affected by several factors, including the size and gravitational force of the planet, the thickness of its atmosphere, and the proximity and movement of other celestial bodies that may alter the trajectory of asteroids.

5. How do asteroid impacts on Earth and Mars affect their respective environments?

Asteroid impacts can have significant effects on the environments of both Earth and Mars. They can cause widespread destruction, create craters and geological features, and alter the climate and composition of the atmosphere. However, the effects are generally more severe on Earth due to its larger size and more complex ecosystem.

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