Can Star Wars-like asteroid storms exist?

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of dense asteroid clouds existing in binary star systems or around novas and supernovas. It is also mentioned that there are regions of thick dust in many galaxies that could potentially contain larger chunks of matter, such as asteroids and planetoids. However, the exact mass distributions within these dust clouds are still being studied.
  • #1
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I know, in our solar system, the asteroid belt is very rare, and the rings of Saturn is thin.
But can dense asteroid clouds exist elsewhere? For example in a binary star system, where constant changing of gravity prevent the forming of a planet from chunks?
 
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  • #2
One can imagine the area around a nova or supernova, with not only star matter being strewn all over, but whatever planets in the system would be smashed too. Also there are large regions of thick dust in many galaxies that do not preclude larger chunks of matter up through asteroid and even planetoid sizes. We are still trying to nail down definitive mass distributions within these dust clouds, but it makes much sense that some will be 'coarser' than others.
 

1. Can asteroid storms like those seen in Star Wars actually exist in real life?

As a scientist, I can say that while the idea of asteroid storms may seem exciting and dramatic, they are not a scientifically accurate representation of how asteroids behave. In reality, asteroids are too small and far apart to create a storm-like effect.

2. Is it possible for asteroids to collide and create a "storm" in space?

Asteroid collisions can occur, but they are rare and the resulting debris is not dense enough to create a storm-like effect. Additionally, the vastness of space means that the chances of multiple collisions happening in one area are extremely low.

3. Could the gravitational pull of a nearby planet or star cause an asteroid storm?

The gravitational pull of a planet or star could potentially influence the trajectory of individual asteroids, but it is highly unlikely that it would cause a storm-like effect. The gravitational pull is not strong enough to gather large numbers of asteroids together in one area.

4. Are there any known examples of asteroid storms in our solar system?

No, there are no known examples of asteroid storms in our solar system. We have observed asteroid collisions and impacts, but these events are not frequent or intense enough to create a storm-like effect.

5. Could advancements in technology one day allow us to create man-made asteroid storms?

It is highly unlikely that we will ever have the technology to create man-made asteroid storms. Creating a storm-like effect would require an immense amount of energy and precise control over the movements of individual asteroids, which is currently not possible.

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