UPSC Mains 2024 GS3 Q16 — Space science
What are asteroids? How real is the threat of them causing extinction of life? What strategies have been development to prevent such a catastrophe? (Answer in 250 words) 15
Question Decoded — examiner's intent
- Directive verbs
- What areHow realWhat strategies
- Scope keywords
- asteroidsthreat of them causing extinction of lifestrategies have been developmentprevent such a catastrophe
- Implicit sub-parts
- Scientific definition and composition of asteroids including their typical orbits
- Assessment of probability vs. impact (Near-Earth Objects and the Torino Scale)
- Categorization of mitigation strategies into detection, tracking, and deflection
- Status of international cooperation and specific mission successes like DART
- Common pitfalls
- Spending too much time on the definition and origin of asteroids instead of the mitigation aspect
- Confusing asteroids with comets, meteors, or meteorites without scientific distinction
- Writing a science-fiction narrative instead of referencing actual space agency protocols and physical laws
- Failing to mention the 'Near-Earth Objects' (NEO) monitoring systems like ATLAS or Pan-STARRS
- Ignoring the 'extinction' qualifier by focusing on small-scale impacts rather than global catastrophes
- Dimensions required
- Scientific/AstronomicalHistorical (geological extinction events)Technological/EngineeringInternational Cooperation/Geopolitical
- Marks allocation hint
Allocate 2 marks (30 words) for a crisp definition. Dedicate 6 marks (100 words) to the 'reality' of the threat using the Torino scale and historical context like the Chicxulub event. Devote 7 marks (120 words) to mitigation strategies, focusing on Kinetic Impactors, Gravity Tractors, and Nuclear Deflection, while mentioning NASA's DART mission.
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