Salvation' TV Series: How It Depicts The Threat Of An Asteroid Impact

Introduction

Asteroids have always fascinated people, and their potential impact on our planet is a source of fear and curiosity. Numerous movies and TV series have explored this topic, and Salvation is one of the most popular among them. This American suspense drama aired between 2017 and 2018 on CBS, and its premise was the threat of a massive asteroid impact on Earth. The show tackled not only the scientific and technical aspects of the event but also the political, social, and personal consequences of such a catastrophic event. In this article, we'll examine how Salvation dealt with the asteroid theme and how it related to real-life scenarios.

The Science behind Salvation

The Asteroid: Fiction vs. Reality

In Salvation, the asteroid that threatened Earth was a massive object called Samson. Its size and trajectory posed a serious hazard to the planet, and the characters had to find a way to deflect it before it hit. While Samson was a fictional creation, the show's producers consulted with experts from NASA and SpaceX to ensure scientific accuracy in their portrayal of asteroids and their effects on Earth. Moreover, the show regularly featured cameo appearances by real-life scientists who explained the technical details of the asteroid's detection, tracking, and deflection methods.

The Detection and Tracking of the Asteroid

In Salvation, the first step in mitigating the asteroid threat was detecting it. The characters used a combination of ground-based and space-based telescopes to locate the object and calculate its size, speed, and trajectory. They also had to contend with the asteroid's irregular shape and composition, which made accurate measurements challenging. Nevertheless, the show correctly depicted the process of tracking asteroids and the technology involved, such as radar, lidar, and infrared sensors.

The Deflection of the Asteroid

Once the asteroid was detected and tracked, the characters had to find a way to deflect it. In Salvation, they chose a method called the Gravity Tractor, which involved using a spacecraft's gravity to tug on the asteroid and alter its course. This method was based on real-life proposals for deflecting asteroids, although it has not yet been tested in practice. The characters also considered other options, such as nuclear explosives, but rejected them due to their potential side effects.

The Social and Political Impacts of the Asteroid Threat

The Media's Role in Reporting the Asteroid Threat

In Salvation, the asteroid threat became public knowledge early on, and the media played a crucial role in disseminating information about it. However, the show portrayed the media as both a force for good and bad. On the one hand, journalists and news organizations informed the public about the asteroid's danger and mobilized support for mitigation efforts. On the other hand, they also sensationalized the threat, causing panic and chaos. Moreover, the show depicted conflicts between the media and the government over the handling of the crisis, as different groups vied for influence and control.

The Government's Response to the Asteroid Threat

Salvation also explored the political implications of the asteroid threat. In the show's scenario, the US government was the primary actor responsible for dealing with the crisis. The President and her advisors had to make tough decisions regarding funding, international cooperation, and public safety. They also had to navigate the politics of different interest groups, such as the military, scientists, and private corporations. The show portrayed the government's response as a mix of competency and dysfunctionality, reflecting real-life challenges faced by governments in crisis situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Is the Gravity Tractor a real method for deflecting asteroids?

  A: Yes, the Gravity Tractor is a real concept proposed by scientists and engineers. It involves using a spacecraft's gravity to exert a slow but continuous force on an asteroid, gradually altering its course away from Earth.

• Q: How accurate was Salvation's portrayal of the asteroid threat?

  A: Overall, Salvation depicted the asteroid threat in a plausible and realistic way. The show consulted with experts and featured scientific details that matched real-life scenarios. However, some elements, such as the rapid timeline for developing and deploying the Gravity Tractor, were exaggerated for dramatic effect.

• Q: Are there any real-life asteroids that pose a significant threat to Earth?

  A: Yes, there are numerous asteroids that have been identified as potential hazards to Earth. NASA and other organizations monitor these objects closely and develop plans for mitigating their effects if necessary.

• Q: Did Salvation address the long-term risks of asteroid impacts?

  A: No, Salvation primarily focused on the immediate threat posed by Samson. However, the show hinted at the broader implications of asteroid impacts, such as the extinction of the dinosaurs millions of years ago.

• Q: Will there be a sequel or continuation of Salvation?

  A: No, despite fan campaigns to renew the series, CBS canceled Salvation after two seasons. However, the show's themes and motifs continue to inspire other works of fiction and non-fiction about asteroids and their impact on Earth.

Conclusion

Salvation is a compelling example of how popular culture can explore complex scientific and social issues related to asteroids and their impact on our planet. The show's attention to scientific accuracy and its nuanced portrayal of political and personal conflicts make it a valuable addition to the genre of asteroid fiction. While Salvation may not have all the answers to the question of how to deal with asteroid threats, it raises crucial questions about human resilience and cooperation in the face of adversity.

Thank you for reading this article. Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comments section below.

Additional Resources

Interested in learning more about asteroids? Check out these resources:

• NASA Planetary Defense
• The B612 Foundation
• Space.com Asteroids and Comets

Astrotruckers': A Novel Approach To Asteroids In Fiction

The Little Prince' And Its Enigmatic Asteroid B-612

Asteroids In 'The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy': A Cosmic Comedy

If you want to discover more articles similar to Salvation' TV Series: How It Depicts The Threat Of An Asteroid Impact, you can visit the Asteroids in Fiction category.