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How do asteroids always leave a round crater after impact

Aren't asteroids all different shapes and sizes? And don't the asteroids hit from different directions, they can't hit all straight on. So why is every crater round? Like every crater is round on the moon and earth.

Well...that's a great question, I'll tell you🤣

Asteroids... well meteors... come flying at the earth at high speeds. Hitting something at this speed explodes the meteor on impact. Explosions are round which creates the shape of a crater. Most of the material of the meteor gets vaporise by the high temperatures of the explosion (some material just goes flying high in the air). That's why there's no meteor evidence left behind in the crater
Jlhzfromep · M Best Comment
Easy demo would be to toss a round rock in some water then toss an irregular shape object in. Both create round waves. Similar method for asteroid impacts
BrownEyedElliex · 18-21, F
@Jlhzfromep Oooo I like that, that's quite interesting... plus I never noticed that before

Northwest · M
A meteor/astroid hit, is very similar to a missile hit, when the impact occurs, it causes a massive explosion, and explosions are symmetrical from the point of impact, hence the mostly circular crater, regardless of the angle of attack.
BrownEyedElliex · 18-21, F
@Northwest I like it
Others have explained how the impact releases energy like an explosion; hence symmetric. Here's a video of bullet going 100X speed of sound into sand at a 30 degree angle. You'll see the initial burst of material is asymmetric, but as it evolves it becomes symmetric.
[media=https://youtu.be/nbkkMKkjx6k]

This video is called "Why are most impact craters perfectly circular (rather than ovals)"
[media=https://youtu.be/BCGWGJOUjHY]
BrownEyedElliex · 18-21, F
@ElwoodBlues I like it, very cool
Reflection2 · 41-45, M
Take a square stone and smash it on lose soil or sand. It will make a round crater.
SW-User
When is the next class? I kinda want to sign up
BrownEyedElliex · 18-21, F
@SW-User I wish I was a teacher🤣
OldBrit · 61-69, M
I was going to say that it is the explosion that creates the crater and that blows out in a manner that creates a circular crater.
ArishMell · 70-79, M
Thank you for the explanation. They are also extremely hot before they even hit the ground, and that must help their vapourising.
Royrogers · 61-69, M
Well done. A post that is actually very interesting
DiliMarky · M
Shut the fuck up you geeky ass nerd

 
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