Asteroid Impact Crater Size: Function of Diameter

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SUMMARY

The size of an asteroid impact crater is significantly influenced by the asteroid's diameter, mass, and velocity. A slow-moving porous asteroid will create a smaller crater compared to a fast-moving dense object of the same diameter. The discussion references resources such as the Imperial College London's Impact Effects page and a chapter from the Lunar and Planetary Institute's publication, which provide further insights into the relationship between these variables.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of asteroid dynamics and impact physics
  • Familiarity with crater formation theories
  • Knowledge of material properties of different asteroid types
  • Basic grasp of velocity and mass effects in physical impacts
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact crater size equations from the Lunar and Planetary Institute
  • Study the effects of asteroid composition on impact outcomes
  • Learn about the role of velocity in impact physics
  • Examine case studies of historical asteroid impacts and their crater sizes
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, planetary scientists, and educators interested in asteroid impacts and their geological effects will benefit from this discussion.

mersecske
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What is the crater size for an asteroid impact as a function of the asteroid diameter?
Are there any estimated function?
 
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I'd expect it has less to do with the diameter than the mass and speed. A slow-moving porous rock would hardly have the same effect as a fast-moving steel object of the same diameter, and a "normal" asteroid of rocky material would be somewhere in between, but would still depend on speed.
 

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