PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION

The project addresses common uncertainties about meteorites in a graphical and intuitive way for the user.

Simulation

Simulations are one of the core elements of the S.I.A. project, where the effects of an meteorite impact on Earth are calculated and visualized. They are designed to be accurate, educational, and engaging, using real NASA data and standard physical models.

First Simulator:

1. User Input Variables:
Users enter key parameters that determine the characteristics of the impact:

- Meteorite size (diameter in meters): Range from 100 m to 3 km.
- Meteorite material density.
- Impact velocity (km/s).
- Impact angle (degrees): From 90° down to 15°, affecting energy dispersion.

2. Internal Physical Calculations

- Crater size: Calculated using the crater scaling equation, which considers kinetic energy (Ec = ½mv²), meteorite density, and surface type.
- Released energy.
- Associated effects.
  Note: The calculations are simplified and processed in the back-end to avoid overwhelming the user, but they are based on real data to ensure scientific accuracy.

3. Results Visualization
Results are displayed on an interactive 3D map using CesiumJS, where the user can see:

- The modeled crater at the selected location, with its diameter and depth.

4. Educational Approach
The simulation includes the physical concepts behind each variable (for example, how the impact angle affects energy dispersion).
Users can also export results (e.g., a PDF report with parameters and effects) for further analysis, useful for students or researchers.

Second Simulation:

1. Meteorites Selection
The user can choose from a list provided by NASA's NEO API, consisting of known asteroids that have passed close to Earth: RQ36, Ero433, MH4, MN4, and HA2.

2.Simulation Display
Using the meteorite information and the preset variables, the simulation will show:

The approximate size of the crater that would form.
A visual representation of the meteorite.

3.Preset Variables

Density
Size
Impact velocity

4. System Objective
The purpose is to allow anyone, even without technical knowledge, to experience what an impact from a near-Earth asteroid would be like and compare the differences based on the size and velocity of each asteroid.

Page

Intuitive Interface
Visual Design: Uses HTML, CSS, and JS to create a clean and modern interface, with colors and fonts that enhance readability and navigation.
Accessibility: The page is optimized for both mobile and desktop devices, featuring a responsive design that ensures compatibility with browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.
Multilingual Support: Includes options to switch languages (e.g., English and Spanish), catering to the global audience of the NASA Space Apps Challenge.

User Entry to the Page
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Upon entering the page, users will find a brief description introducing the purpose of the site and providing a general overview of the available content. Immediately below, links to the different simulators and the open-source 3D map are presented, allowing users to explore the scenarios interactively.

Next, there is a section dedicated to meteorite mitigation strategies, along with information on the potential consequences of an meteorite impact on Earth. The page also includes a segment with disaster comparisons to give users an idea of the damage an impact could cause. Following this, a brief section presents examples of meteorites that have already collided with our planet and others that orbit nearby.

The site also features a section with information about the project team, providing greater transparency about those responsible for the project. Finally, a space is available for user interaction, where visitors can share opinions, ask questions, or contribute ideas related to the topic.

Link to the code of the entire page: https://github.com/nehu-en/nehu-en.github.io.git

BENEFITS PROVIDED

The main benefit of our project is to help raise awareness about the risks of meteorite impacts by transforming complex scientific data into a visual and interactive experience. It acts as a bridge between the specialized research of agencies like NASA and the curiosity of the general public.

The specific benefits can be grouped into the following key areas:

1. Education
Interactive Learning: Our tool allows users to "learn by doing." They can manipulate variables (velocity, size, angle) and instantly see the results of their choices, reinforcing physics and geology concepts in a practical way.

Simplification of Complex Concepts: The simulator translates kinetic energy equations and characterization models into easy-to-understand visual results (e.g., crater size), making science accessible to students and non-specialized audiences.

Resource for Educators: It is an ideal tool for science teachers, museums, and outreach centers looking to explain cosmic hazards and the importance of physics in the real world in an engaging way.

2. Awareness and Risk Communication
By allowing users to choose an impact point on a familiar map (such as their own region or country), the abstract risk of an "meteorite" becomes tangible and local, generating greater emotional impact and understanding.

The project visually highlights the importance of NASA missions and Near-Earth Object (NEO) tracking programs. Users gain an understanding of why detecting and potentially deflecting these objects is crucial.

It provides a scientific basis for understanding impacts, helping differentiate reality from science fiction exaggerations and fostering a more informed public discussion.

3. Innovation in Data Visualization
The design focuses on the user experience, removing technical barriers. No scientific background is needed to explore complex scenarios and obtain meaningful results.

The use of a geospatial platform like CesiumJS enables realistic 3D visualization. Seeing a crater over a familiar map is far more impactful than viewing a data table.

_{Imágen extraída Sandcastle - Cesium JS}

4. Encouraging Scientific Careers
By presenting space science in an exciting and relevant way, the project can spark curiosity and interest in young people for careers related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Although the project simplifies the results, it serves as an introduction to the vast amount of real data collected by NASA, encouraging the most curious users to explore the original sources.

EXPECTED PROJECT IMPACT

We aim for the community to understand the real magnitude of an meteorite impact on Earth's surface.
The goal is to show both the reality and the probability of the damage it could cause.
Long-Term Impact: The tool has the potential to evolve to include more advanced simulations (e.g., atmospheric effects or climate consequences) and become a permanent educational resource.

TOOLS USED

Collection of information on size, density, and impact velocity:

-Resources from the Earth Science Division and the NEO (Near-Earth Object) program

Mathematical Formulas:

-OpenAI, Chatgpt

-Gemini

-Grok

Video Editing:

- Canva.

- CapCut.

Programming:

- Sandcastle Cesium Js.

- Visual Studio Code.

- HTML.

- CSS.

- JS.

FACTORS CONSIDERED

Target Audience:

Non-technical users: Intuitive interface, accessible language, clear visualizations, and interactive examples to create an emotional connection.
Technical users: Realistic physical models, access to NASA data, scientific references, and the ability to export results for advanced analysis.

Inclusive Design:

Multilingual interfaces adapted to different levels of digital literacy.
Compatibility with low-end devices to ensure global access.
Educational and engaging focus for young audiences.

Combating Misinformation:

Counters myths about cosmic disasters with verifiable science.

2025 NASA Space Apps Challenge

Special Engineers