[Prev][Next][Index][Thread]

Re: (meteorobs) Fwd Re: Halley's Comet Returns In Bits And Pieces



On Mon, 26 Oct 1998, Lew Gramer wrote:

> [
> Forwarded without permission:
> ]
> 
> ------- Forwarded Message
> 
> Date: Fri, 23 Oct 1998 20:50:31 -0400
> From: Brian Warner <brianw_mpo@compuserve.com>
> Subject: Re: Halley's Comet Returns In Bits And Pieces
> Cc: "[unknown]" <mplist@bitnik.com>
> 
> The answer is very succinct and famous: E = mc2

                                    2
Isn't it the kinetic energy = 0.5*mv ?  m is small, but v is large and
v squared is very large.  However, the velocity of meteors, v, is a
long way from the speed of light, c.  If meteoroids converted all of
their mass into energy, we'd see some very spectacular fireworks from
even micrometeoroids.   However, I wouldn't want to be too close to a
fireball-sized object doing this. (-:

Malcolm

References: