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Astronomy/explosions in space

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Expert: - 2/27/2008


Question
I saw the shoot down of the ailing spy satellite with a missile.   There was an explosion.   I was always told that an explosion in space is impossible.   Am I interpreting what I saw incorrectly or can explosions actually happen in space (assuming that there is an explosive and an oxidizer in the missile/ warhead …or space ship if your into scifi)?

Answer
Hi Kurt,
 Well, there are collisions and explosions...two types of explosions
can occur...one is when there is an explosive warhead involved, and
another when you have a gas or liquid under pressure, and you puncture the tank, the tank can then "explode" due to the contained
pressure.

An example of a collision was the deep impact mission on Comet Wild
where we sent a copper chunk into the nucleus of that comet.
A warhead explosion would be, say, launching a nuclear missile to the lunar surface and it explodes, but I think in the case of USA 193 spy satellite, I think that was just a collision and puncture of tank, with a subsequent catastrophic pressure release of the hydrazine tank. I don't think an actual warhead was involved.
(Although there may have been an explosive on board the missile,
I just don't know).

So yes, collisions and explosions (both types) CAN and DO happen in space. So, I think what you may have read or learned in the past, or be thinking of....there is NO SOUND with any of these events.
THAT is what is...impossible....NO Sound is transmitted by these
events. (Because there is no travel medium...a vacuum cannot
support sound waves, as you know). I think, and I hope, that's what you perhaps, are thinking of.
Hope this helps,
Clear Skies,
Tom Whiting
Erie, PA

Astronomy

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Tom Whiting

Expertise

Astronomy has been my hobby/pasttime for over 50 years.  Currently own 3 telescopes, the largest of which is a 30 inch Newtonian truss Dob that is portable.I taught Astronomy/Meteorology at the University Level for 13 years before retiring in 1995. Being retired and home most of the time, I am able to answer all questions relatively quickly, unless it's a new moon weekend with good observing conditions.  No astrology questions please, or questions about alleged UFO picture identifications.

Experience

Experience: Astronomy has been my hobby and study for over 50 years. We currently now own a 30 inch portable telescope (Updated - Pennsylvania`s largest portable telescope). It can be seen on our website at:http://www.velocity.net/~bwhiting and also attend several regional starparties during the year, and have been on 5 total solar eclipse expeditions.

Organizations: President, Erie County Mobile Observers Group for over 15 years.

Publications: Wrote the "Over Erie Skies" newspaper article in our local newspaper for 11 years (1975-86).

Education: Masters Degree- Taught at the University level for 13 years. Retired 20 years -USAF Pilot - KC-135 with 180 combat missions;  Also Eagle Scout, Philmont staff 2 Yrs, Order of Arrow Lodge Chief, Ham Radio (inactive).

Awards: two discoveries: The mini-coathanger asterism in Ursa Minor (the little dipper) And the mini-ladle- another asterism in the bowl of Ursa Minor. Clients: Currently President of the ECMOG as mentioned above.

Education/Credentials
BS  Metallurgical Engineering Grove City College, PAMaster's Degree, Gannon University, Erie, PA Also retired USAF pilot, 20 years.

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