Shoemaker-Levy 9 collision with Jupiter and nearby planets
Name: Traci A Saucerman
Status: Other
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Question:
The Shoemaker-Levy 9 comet is scheduled to collide with Jupiter sometime
between the dates of July 16-22. What are the effects of this collision
expected to be on the planets closest to Jupiter, on our atmosphere, and on
the Earth?
Replies:
As far as I can tell from what I have read, no effect at all. Whatever
effects there are will be confined to Jupiter, and even these are likely to
be slight. Jupiter is an immense planet; I have read the collision being
likened to "spitballs hitting the Queen Mary". Jupiter will easily be able
to absorb the enormous energies delivered by the comet fragments.
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