Asteroid Impact Crater Size: Function of Diameter

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the relationship between asteroid diameter and the resulting impact crater size. Participants explore whether there is an estimated function that describes this relationship, considering various factors that may influence the outcome.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the direct relationship between crater size and asteroid diameter, suggesting that mass and speed may be more significant factors in determining impact effects.
  • Another participant provides links to resources that may contain relevant information on impact effects and crater size estimations.
  • There is a repeated inquiry about the existence of an estimated function relating asteroid diameter to crater size.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the factors influencing crater size, indicating that there is no consensus on the primary determinants of crater dimensions.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the properties of asteroids, such as composition and velocity, are not fully explored, which may affect the discussion's conclusions.

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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