this post was submitted on 19 Mar 2024
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xkcd

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Astronomers are a little unsure of the applicability of this index, but NASA's Planetary Protection Officer is all in favor.

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[–] neptune@dmv.social 8 points 6 months ago (1 children)

I mean this does have a practical application, I think. The relative masses of moons to planets does imply the moons ability to sweep junk out of the way before it hits the planet.

[–] teft@lemmy.world 3 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) (1 children)

This is not based on mass but on volume. For example the moon is only 1% of the earth's mass yet considerably less dense therefore it makes a thicker layer.

[–] neptune@dmv.social 1 points 6 months ago

*imply

Sure. By even the density/mechanical properites of armor will affect its usefulness. Beyond simple thickness.