Nuclear explosion size required to create a Shattered Horzion scenario

In summary, the game Shattered Horizon is set in 2047 after a large chunk of the moon was accidentally fractured by the Moon Mining Corporation, causing debris to orbit Earth. International Space Agency workers and MMC miners are now stranded in space, fighting over resources to survive. The video mentioned a hypothetical scenario where an underground nuclear explosion would be needed to "break" the moon. Using rough estimates, it would require a kinetic energy of 10^27 Joules, or 10^12 megatons, for 5% of the moon's mass to escape at 2.4km/s. However, there may be a large margin of error in this calculation.
  • #1
Cifyra
I'm not sure if any of you have heard about the game, Shattered Horizon. It's story takes place in 2047 when the Moon Mining Corporation accidentally fractured a large chunk of the moon and sent fragments and debris in orbit around Earth. International Space Agency workers and MMC miners are now stranded in space, as they fight over scarce resources to survive. How big of an underground nuclear explosion is require to "break" the moon as illustrated in the following video?

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Suppose 5% of the moons mass is now moving away from the moon at its escape velocity (2.4km/s according to wikipedia). That 5% has a mass of, very roughly, 10^21 kg. So the kinetic energy of that mass is of order 10^27 Joules. That is, very roughly, 10^12 megatons. The error on this calculation is probably plus/minus several orders of magnitude.
 

Related to Nuclear explosion size required to create a Shattered Horzion scenario

1. What is a "Shattered Horizon" scenario?

A "Shattered Horizon" scenario refers to a hypothetical situation where a large-scale nuclear explosion causes severe destruction and devastation, resulting in significant changes to the physical landscape and environment.

2. How large of a nuclear explosion is required to create a Shattered Horizon scenario?

The size of a nuclear explosion required to create a Shattered Horizon scenario would depend on various factors such as the location, yield of the nuclear device, and the target area's topography. However, generally, a nuclear explosion with a yield of at least 1 megaton (equivalent to 1 million tons of TNT) is considered capable of causing a Shattered Horizon scenario.

3. Can a nuclear explosion of any size create a Shattered Horizon scenario?

No, a nuclear explosion of any size cannot create a Shattered Horizon scenario. As mentioned earlier, various factors, such as the yield of the device and the target area's topography, play a crucial role in determining the extent of destruction caused by a nuclear explosion.

4. How is the size of a nuclear explosion measured?

The size of a nuclear explosion is measured in terms of its yield, which is the amount of energy released by the device. The most commonly used unit for measuring nuclear explosion size is the kiloton (kt), which is equivalent to 1,000 tons of TNT. The megaton (Mt) is also used, which is equivalent to 1 million tons of TNT.

5. How does a nuclear explosion create a Shattered Horizon scenario?

A nuclear explosion creates a Shattered Horizon scenario by releasing a massive amount of energy in the form of heat, blast, and radiation. The intense heat from the explosion can cause fires and vaporize objects in its path, while the blast wave can demolish buildings and structures. The radiation released can also have long-lasting effects on the environment and living organisms, contributing to the scenario's overall devastation.

Similar threads

Do Movies Teach Us Realistic Life Skills?
    • General Discussion
Replies
1
Views
8K
ECONOMICS: It's stupid to be afraid (Lee Kuan Yew to Der Spiegel)
    • General Discussion
Replies
6
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top