Structure is essential to the equation; in Didymos, researchers aren’t sure whether DART will impact an asteroid composed of solid rock, loose rubble or something “softer,” more akin to sand. A softer surface would absorb more of DART’s force and may not be pushed as drastically as if DART hit a harder surface.

Extensive modeling and simulation, part of a large international campaign that started in 2014, is being done in conjunction with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and other members of the investigation team to help researchers predict what will happen to DART’s target after impact. They’ve considered these various factors—along with the added momentum from DART’s impact and the resulting debris ejected from the crater it creates – as they’ve run various simulations. These simulations help the team shape its expectations for impact.

NASA’s First Planetary Defense Technology Demonstration to Collide with Asteroid in 2022, NASA, May 6, 2019

Use the passage from “NASA’s First Planetary Defense Technology Demonstration to Collide with Asteroid in 2022” and the video to answer the question.
Behind the Spacecraft: NASA’s DART, The Double Asteroid Redirection Test
Video Player

Question
Compared to the video, what is a limitation of the article?(1 point)
Responses

It lacks discussion of the potential outcomes of DART.
It lacks discussion of the potential outcomes of DART.

It lacks technical language to adequately describe DART.
It lacks technical language to adequately describe DART.

It lacks explanation of the parties involved in testing DART.
It lacks explanation of the parties involved in testing DART.

It lacks visuals that show the DART simulations.

1 answer

Compared to the video, a limitation of the article is that it lacks visuals that show the DART simulations. The article primarily provides information through text and does not include visual representations that could help to enhance understanding of the DART simulations discussed.