Australian_Science_Illustrated_Issue_52_2017

scienceillustrated.com.au | 21

Does an explosion in space

produce pressure waves?

Is a spacecraft affected, if a bomb explodes in

space nearby? Or will nothing happen, as

space does not include molecules, through

which the energy can move?

Bombs can explode in space, but the process is

different from what it is on Earth. When a

bomb explodes on Earth, a high-pressure wave

develops, travelling through the air, but in

empty space, there is nothing in which a

pressure wave can spread. Although pressure

waves do not exist in space, explosions are still

hazardous, as hot gases and fragments spread

in all directions. In Earth’s atmosphere, objects

are slowed down by the air, which absorbs

much of the explosion energy, but in space,

there is no brake. Consequently, the explosion

material will spread very fast, and even a

spacecraft far away could be destroyed.

Supernovas are the greatest explosions in the

universe, which emit hot gases at a speed of

thousands of km/h.

IBSS

Cassiopeia A is the remains of a

300-year-old supernova. Hot

gases are still emitted at a

speed of 400 km/second.

WORLD RECORDS

11.3 km

Which bird flies the highest?

In 1973, a Boeing 747 collided with a

Rüppell's vulture, that was sucked into

the plane's engine. According to the

instruments, the collision took place

over the Ivory Coast at an altitude of

RÜPPELL'S VULTURE

Habitat: Central Africa.

Wing span: Up to 2.6 m.

Colour: Brown with a white

"collar" around its neck.

SHUTTERSTOCK

NUCLEAR BOMB

TESTED IN SPACE

In 1962, the US detonated

a nuclear bomb 400 km

above the Pacific Ocean.

The explosion emitted

electromagnetic radiation,

which affected devices on

Earth and destroyed eight

satellites. Oops.

Supernovae are

visible hundreds

of years efter the

explosion.