Well the linked paper is in Chinese (Standard? Mandarin?) and the English abstract doesn’t really say much:
Facing the potential risk of asteroid impact, researchers have proposed a variety of defense methods. This paper conducts a numerical analysis of the feasibility of using different disposal technologies to defend asteroids of different sizes, densities, and warning periods. The feasibility of asteroid defense technology is evaluated, and defense scenarios applicable to different disposal technologies are provided. The corresponding key technical requirements are analyzed and determined.
Subscribe to SpaceWeather dot com’s newsletter and any of their alerts which may be pertinent to your interests! It’s Norte Americano-focused, so some Happy Mutants may wanna try hunting for something similar in their own countries/hemisphere. Spaceweather.com Time Machine - September 4, 2024 SOLAR CYCLE 25 CONTINUES TO SURGE: Solar activity continues to intensify. In August 2024, the average monthly sunspot number exceeded 200 for the first time in 23 years, almost doubling the official forecast:
The current solar cycle (Solar Cycle 25) wasn’t expected to be this strong. When it began in Dec. 2019, experts predicted it would be weak like its immediate predecessor Solar Cycle 24. Instead, Solar Cycle 25 may be on pace to rival some of the stronger cycles of the 20th century. Already in May 2024 we have experienced a century-class geomagnetic storm with auroras sighted in the South Pacific, central America and south Africa.
The last time sunspot counts were this high, in Sept.-Dec. 2001, the sun was winding up to launch the Great Halloween Storms of '03, which included the strongest X-ray solar flare ever recorded (X45) and a CME so potent it was felt by Voyager at the edge of the solar system. A repeat is not guaranteed, but current sunspot counts tell us it’s possible.
Above: A composite view of sunspots in Aug. 2024. Credit: Senol Sanli
Years from now, we may look back and realize that 2024 was the maximum of Solar Cycle 25. Or not; the original “official forecast” predicted Solar Max would occur in July 2025. Either way, we probably have at least 2 more years of high solar activity ahead. Stay tuned.
ETA: I pointed out that SpaceWeather is North American, and suggested that folks in other parts of the world check out such websites in their own countries because they will see sky events at different times and from different angles than we do.
For example, eclipses are not visible at the same time all over the world, and they are frequently visible only in certain places.
NASA just started livestreaming the undocking procedure for Boeing’s Starliner. Hopefully the thing doesn’t spin out of control and take out the ISS along the way…
Update: Ok, they undocked and got some distance from the station.
The crew capsule is returning without a crew on board, targeting a landing at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico on Saturday at 12:03 a.m. ET.
…odd set of emotions with this one. If it crashes (and hopefully no one will be nearby) then “Well we certainly made the right call.” And if it doesn’t “Coulda got them back this year to their families and not promoted musk-y tech” but it was still the best call they could’ve made. Then there’s Boeing’s shiny new CEO and burning dumpster stock… -sigh-
update: i think the Boeing starliner landed apparently safely link
(didn’t even know its name was Calypso)
Starliner touches down
The Boeing Starliner spacecraft — nicknamed Calypso — has finally hit terra firma.
Three large parachutes and airbags softened its touchdown. And the spacecraft has made it “safely back to the desert floor,” according to NASA’s webcast hosts.
