DART
Planetary Defense: DART Mission & Earth's Safety
Lyrics
Throw a DART at a rock in the sky
Advocates taking action or making an attempt to address challenges or threats.
Test the tech that we need to survive
Emphasizes the importance of testing technology necessary for human survival.
Don't let Earth get hit by meteors
Stresses the need to prevent Earth from being impacted by meteors.
Don't go extinct like the dinosaurs
References the extinction of dinosaurs as a cautionary example to avoid a similar fate for humanity.
The strategy for planetary defense
Highlights the strategy for defending the planet from celestial hazards.
Tells us to test out what might make sense
Encourages testing ideas that may be practical in safeguarding Earth.
To save planet Earth from hazards in space
Expresses the goal of saving the planet from space-related dangers.
Benefits all of the human race
Asserts that protecting Earth benefits all of humanity.
The Double Asteroid Redirect' Test
Introduces the "Double Asteroid Redirect Test" as a method to address potential hazards.
Tries the technique we think might work best
Indicates the purpose of testing a technique believed to be effective in preventing asteroid impacts.
To stop the impact of PHOs
Refers to deflecting the impact of Potentially Hazardous Objects (PHOs).
Not to be used against Earthly foes
Clarifies that the technique is not intended for use against human adversaries.
Didymos has a small orbiting moon
Mentions the celestial body Didymos and its orbiting moon.
Gonna get hit by a copper slug soon
Suggests that Didymos's moon will be impacted by a copper slug.
DART's gonna smack it and alter its speed
States that the DART mission aims to alter the moon's speed through impact.
Much information from this test we'll heed
Anticipates gaining valuable information from the test.
Ground telescopes will observe the event
Explains that ground telescopes will observe and measure changes during the impact event.
And measure the delta-V change implement
Specifies the measurement of delta-V change during the impact.
Its sister ship, AIM was meant to be flown
Mentions the sister ship AIM, which was intended to accompany DART but faced funding issues.
But ESA bailed, so we went in alone
Notes that DART proceeded with the mission independently due to ESA's withdrawal.
Deflection? Disruption? We're not really sure
Expresses uncertainty about the specific effects of the impact—deflection or disruption.
Depends on the asteroid's interior
States that the outcome depends on the internal composition of the asteroid.
Would it miss Earth entirely?
Ponders whether the asteroid would completely miss Earth.
Or split up and rain down as space debris?
Raises the possibility of the asteroid breaking apart, resulting in space debris.
DARTs mission will give us much confidence
Emphasizes that the DART mission will instill confidence in defending Earth against future threats.
On how best to come to Earth's defense
Highlights the significance of the mission in improving Earth's defense strategies.
Let's give a shout out to heroes we know
Praises individuals involved in planetary defense, specifically mentioning Lindley Johnson and the PDCO (Planetary Defense Coordination Office).
Hail Lindley Johnson and the PDCO!
Expresses gratitude and acknowledgment for the efforts of those working in planetary defense.
Comment