What flying insects could re-enter the Earth's atmosphere from space without burning up?What would happen if...
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What flying insects could re-enter the Earth's atmosphere from space without burning up?
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Huge numbers of genetically modified flying insects (purpose not disclosed here) are to be dropped into the Earth's atmosphere from space so that they spread far and wide.
The insects are not in any kind of container whilst falling. Once dropped, they have to make their way to Earth individually without any protection or assistance.
Question
In terms of weight and size, what known flying Earth insects could survive re-entry from space without burning up?
For example midges can fly and so can large beetles (see below).
Please assume that the insects can survive a hard vacuum (partial vacuum see below).
Video of Hercules beetle - https://youtu.be/OyuAt-_Nj_o?t=2
It is known that ordinary houseflies can survive a vacuum and recover.
Video of housefly being subjected to a vacuum chamber and finally being released
https://youtu.be/tA9jcIwvge0?t=57
science-based reality-check atmosphere earth insects
asked 10 hours ago
chasly from UKchasly from UK
17.7k776156
$endgroup$
|
show 6 more comments
$begingroup$
Huge numbers of genetically modified flying insects (purpose not disclosed here) are to be dropped into the Earth's atmosphere from space so that they spread far and wide.
The insects are not in any kind of container whilst falling. Once dropped, they have to make their way to Earth individually without any protection or assistance.
Question
In terms of weight and size, what known flying Earth insects could survive re-entry from space without burning up?
For example midges can fly and so can large beetles (see below).
Please assume that the insects can survive a hard vacuum (partial vacuum see below).
Video of Hercules beetle - https://youtu.be/OyuAt-_Nj_o?t=2
It is known that ordinary houseflies can survive a vacuum and recover.
Video of housefly being subjected to a vacuum chamber and finally being released
https://youtu.be/tA9jcIwvge0?t=57
science-based reality-check atmosphere earth insects
asked 10 hours ago
chasly from UKchasly from UK
17.7k776156
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
Not an answer since it's only the first half, but since the heat is caused from friction with the air, and the friction is caused by speed, in theory slow enough moving insects wouldn't burn up. Now, I'd imagine it'd become an issue of how they'd slow themselves with the thin atmosphere, and I'll have to leave that to someone else to answer.
$endgroup$
– Nex Terren
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Wrap them in some hand wavy bubble wrap type material that partially dissolves and reforms into a parachute once it reaches an altitude suitable for parachuting.
$endgroup$
– SlothsAndMe
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Are the insects supposed to reenter on their own, or with the help of e.g. pods or capsules?
$endgroup$
– Cadence
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
@ Cadence - On their own.
$endgroup$
– chasly from UK
10 hours ago
2
$begingroup$
Too short for an answer - none. You hit the atmosphere at 10,000 mph (near orbital velocity) and there wouldn't even be ashes left.
$endgroup$
– pojo-guy
10 hours ago
|
show 6 more comments
$begingroup$
Huge numbers of genetically modified flying insects (purpose not disclosed here) are to be dropped into the Earth's atmosphere from space so that they spread far and wide.
The insects are not in any kind of container whilst falling. Once dropped, they have to make their way to Earth individually without any protection or assistance.
Question
In terms of weight and size, what known flying Earth insects could survive re-entry from space without burning up?
For example midges can fly and so can large beetles (see below).
Please assume that the insects can survive a hard vacuum (partial vacuum see below).
Video of Hercules beetle - https://youtu.be/OyuAt-_Nj_o?t=2
It is known that ordinary houseflies can survive a vacuum and recover.
Video of housefly being subjected to a vacuum chamber and finally being released
https://youtu.be/tA9jcIwvge0?t=57
science-based reality-check atmosphere earth insects
asked 10 hours ago
chasly from UKchasly from UK
17.7k776156
$endgroup$
Huge numbers of genetically modified flying insects (purpose not disclosed here) are to be dropped into the Earth's atmosphere from space so that they spread far and wide.
The insects are not in any kind of container whilst falling. Once dropped, they have to make their way to Earth individually without any protection or assistance.
Question
In terms of weight and size, what known flying Earth insects could survive re-entry from space without burning up?
For example midges can fly and so can large beetles (see below).
Please assume that the insects can survive a hard vacuum (partial vacuum see below).
Video of Hercules beetle - https://youtu.be/OyuAt-_Nj_o?t=2
It is known that ordinary houseflies can survive a vacuum and recover.
Video of housefly being subjected to a vacuum chamber and finally being released
https://youtu.be/tA9jcIwvge0?t=57
science-based reality-check atmosphere earth insects
science-based reality-check atmosphere earth insects
asked 10 hours ago
chasly from UKchasly from UK
17.7k776156
asked 10 hours ago
chasly from UKchasly from UK
17.7k776156
edited 10 hours ago
chasly from UK
asked 10 hours ago
chasly from UKchasly from UK
17.7k776156
asked 10 hours ago
chasly from UKchasly from UK
17.7k776156
asked 10 hours ago
chasly from UKchasly from UK
17.7k776156
17.7k776156
$begingroup$
Not an answer since it's only the first half, but since the heat is caused from friction with the air, and the friction is caused by speed, in theory slow enough moving insects wouldn't burn up. Now, I'd imagine it'd become an issue of how they'd slow themselves with the thin atmosphere, and I'll have to leave that to someone else to answer.
$endgroup$
– Nex Terren
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Wrap them in some hand wavy bubble wrap type material that partially dissolves and reforms into a parachute once it reaches an altitude suitable for parachuting.
$endgroup$
– SlothsAndMe
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Are the insects supposed to reenter on their own, or with the help of e.g. pods or capsules?
$endgroup$
– Cadence
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
@ Cadence - On their own.
$endgroup$
– chasly from UK
10 hours ago
2
$begingroup$
Too short for an answer - none. You hit the atmosphere at 10,000 mph (near orbital velocity) and there wouldn't even be ashes left.
$endgroup$
– pojo-guy
10 hours ago
|
show 6 more comments
$begingroup$
Not an answer since it's only the first half, but since the heat is caused from friction with the air, and the friction is caused by speed, in theory slow enough moving insects wouldn't burn up. Now, I'd imagine it'd become an issue of how they'd slow themselves with the thin atmosphere, and I'll have to leave that to someone else to answer.
$endgroup$
– Nex Terren
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Wrap them in some hand wavy bubble wrap type material that partially dissolves and reforms into a parachute once it reaches an altitude suitable for parachuting.
$endgroup$
– SlothsAndMe
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Are the insects supposed to reenter on their own, or with the help of e.g. pods or capsules?
$endgroup$
– Cadence
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
@ Cadence - On their own.
$endgroup$
– chasly from UK
10 hours ago
2
$begingroup$
Too short for an answer - none. You hit the atmosphere at 10,000 mph (near orbital velocity) and there wouldn't even be ashes left.
$endgroup$
– pojo-guy
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Not an answer since it's only the first half, but since the heat is caused from friction with the air, and the friction is caused by speed, in theory slow enough moving insects wouldn't burn up. Now, I'd imagine it'd become an issue of how they'd slow themselves with the thin atmosphere, and I'll have to leave that to someone else to answer.
$endgroup$
– Nex Terren
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Not an answer since it's only the first half, but since the heat is caused from friction with the air, and the friction is caused by speed, in theory slow enough moving insects wouldn't burn up. Now, I'd imagine it'd become an issue of how they'd slow themselves with the thin atmosphere, and I'll have to leave that to someone else to answer.
$endgroup$
– Nex Terren
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Wrap them in some hand wavy bubble wrap type material that partially dissolves and reforms into a parachute once it reaches an altitude suitable for parachuting.
$endgroup$
– SlothsAndMe
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Wrap them in some hand wavy bubble wrap type material that partially dissolves and reforms into a parachute once it reaches an altitude suitable for parachuting.
$endgroup$
– SlothsAndMe
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Are the insects supposed to reenter on their own, or with the help of e.g. pods or capsules?
$endgroup$
– Cadence
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Are the insects supposed to reenter on their own, or with the help of e.g. pods or capsules?
$endgroup$
– Cadence
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
@ Cadence - On their own.
$endgroup$
– chasly from UK
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
@ Cadence - On their own.
$endgroup$
– chasly from UK
10 hours ago
2
2
$begingroup$
Too short for an answer - none. You hit the atmosphere at 10,000 mph (near orbital velocity) and there wouldn't even be ashes left.
$endgroup$
– pojo-guy
10 hours ago
$begingroup$
Too short for an answer - none. You hit the atmosphere at 10,000 mph (near orbital velocity) and there wouldn't even be ashes left.
$endgroup$
– pojo-guy
10 hours ago
|
show 6 more comments
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
$begingroup$
If by ‘from space’ you mean dropped from above the Karman line: then any. Humans have skydived ‘from space’.
If, however, you mean any other definition of ‘from space’ then... Erm.. None really.
The issue here is one of velocity. If by ‘from space’ you mean ‘in-orbit’ or ‘after being captured by earth’ then your bugs will be hitting the atmosphere at speeds on the order of 10km/s.
The heat on re-entry is caused by compressive heating, not friction. Essentially all the air can’t get out of the way because the object re-entering is moving too fast, so it gets squished up and (because physics) heats up too.
If they don’t cause compressive heating and (briefly) turn into glowing bug-cinders then they’re still going to squish up all that air, and also squish up all of themselves.
If they don’t get burnt to a very well-done cricket-croquette or splattered on the windshield of Mother Earth then they still have to deal with the air around them rushing past at hypersonic speeds. Legs, wings, shell casings; anything that is a tiny crevice will get them sent into a high speed tumble and also torn apart.
There is no size of bug that can survive re-entry as it’s commonly understood. The speeds involved are just a bit more than biology was designed to handle.
answered 8 hours ago
Joe BloggsJoe Bloggs
35.9k19102178
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
Accurate, nice imagery. +1
$endgroup$
– Agrajag
8 hours ago
2
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I'm not sure that bugs with exoskeletons would be inherently burnt up. The thing is, they're very small and will thus decelerate very quickly in the atmosphere. So long as they come in in the right orientation will they burn through the carapace before shedding their speed? (Now, whether they survive the deceleration is another matter...)
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– Loren Pechtel
3 hours ago
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@LorenPechtel: I initially thought the same, but just remember that basically all the kinetic energy has to be turned into heat upon reentry. It could still be that the ratio of kinetic energy to surface area/thermal capacity is favorable enough for insects to survive.
$endgroup$
– Michael
1 hour ago
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@LorenPechtel: Even if you approach it from a purely g-force perspective it’s brutal. Let’s say the atmosphere is 20 km thick. That means the insect will have (at best) 2 seconds to go from 10km/s to their terminal velocity (which is low enough that I’ll call it 0 km/s). However you slice it that leaves your insect pulling upwards of 500g while being hit by some very energetic winds.
$endgroup$
– Joe Bloggs
1 hour ago
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Although an insect from orbit would be approaching obliquely... Hmm.. there may be a survival corridor...
$endgroup$
– Joe Bloggs
1 hour ago
|
show 1 more comment
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Almost all of them. The terminal velocity of most insects isn't fast enough to generate the friction required to burn. The only issue would be a sustained lack of Oxygen, likely for several minutes depending on the height dropped, in the upper atmosphere. but seeing as you've hand-waved that problem it looks like your bugs are going to be just fine.
Edit: Just FYI this statement only applies if the insects are dropped from a stationary position (or at least relatively slow moving position) If they are traveling at 1000s of km/s they will likely be burnt to a crisp the moment they are released from whatever drop pod they are in.
answered 9 hours ago
Jason DesjardinsJason Desjardins
36916
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4
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Terminal velocity is determined by gravitational acceleration versus atmospheric friction. - in space there is no friction, acceleration would continue over time at 10 m/s/s without friction of an atmosphere. Terminal velocity would tend to the speed of light till it hit the atmosphere. What do you mean a "stationary position" - stationary relative to what?
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– Agrajag
9 hours ago
1
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@Agrajag There is no point within the area where Earth's gravitational pull is dominant that an object can accelerate from stationary with respect to any point on Earth to anywhere near relativistic speeds before hitting heavy atmosphere. While the 10 m/s/s is a good estimate for long enough for it to be a problem for some distances, it is subject to the inverse square radius rule.
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– Ed Grimm
6 hours ago
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@EdGrimm Sure but insects die at a lot lower than relativistic speeds, e.g. say... 1km/s
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– somebody
4 hours ago
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biology.stackexchange.com/questions/59528/…
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– Giu Piete
24 mins ago
add a comment |
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Ok. I’m a scientist of Psychology and curious hobbyist of others so please forgive my ignorance at this subject level. But, I’m just going to break this down in laymen terms for the general readership that may stop by and please feel free to comment for better or worse 😁 be gentle..
If a winged insect weighing of less that a 10 milligrams as does a common average housefly; Flys up to only the height of where the air is 45 degrees, they will severally slow down due to imparement and die when they fly around a temperature below 32 which is at the height of some low fog. https://www.weather.gov/jetstream/layers This site will show you the actual information and if you dig farther you can see in your area of the world, how high Flys’ Fly. So No it can’t and it could even if it could’nt even due to biological size and mass.
The moment it was released into exosphere, after about 10 seconds or so it would vaporize, human skin and the tissue underneath begins to swell as the water in your derma (skin) layers begin to vaporise due to the absence of atmospheric pressure. Thats a human with pretty tough skin. the human body is capable of slowing down radiation. Passing through its body. It does make its way through it but by then we are dead. A common fly is made up of primarily liquid so as a human, it too would vaporize, but much faster due to its 10 milligram weight.
answered 1 hour ago
Kelly SwansonKelly Swanson
92
New contributor
Kelly Swanson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
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1
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Welcome to worldbuilding.SE. It's great that you contribute, however I can't really see what your point is. Please clarify how this would answer the question, and either elaborate or give concrete references for the details.
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– leftaroundabout
1 hour ago
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The moment it was released into exosphere I think it would evaporate to freeze dried pieces basically. It’s basic science.
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– Kelly Swanson
1 hour ago
1
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So you argue that the low-temperature, low-pressure environment would kill them regardless of any burning-up concerns. Possibly, I know very little about insects – however, the question specifically asked “without burning up”, and provided references that vacuum is survivable for insects. I would presume the cold is survivable too. But if you know of evidence that it's not, do edit that into your answer.
$endgroup$
– leftaroundabout
1 hour ago
1
$begingroup$
The moment it was released into exosphere, after about 10 seconds or so, human skin and the tissue underneath begins to swell as the water in your derma (skin) layers begin to vaporise due to the absence of atmospheric pressure. Thats a human with pretty tough skin. the human body is capable of slowing down radiation. Passing through its body. It does make its way through it but by then we are dead. A common fly is made up of primarily liquid so as a human, it too would vaporize, but much faster due to its 10 milligram weight.
$endgroup$
– Kelly Swanson
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
@KellySwanson, if you are clarifying your answer it is better to edit it, rather then writing comments.
$endgroup$
– L.Dutch♦
45 mins ago
|
show 1 more comment
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3 Answers
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3 Answers
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active
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$begingroup$
If by ‘from space’ you mean dropped from above the Karman line: then any. Humans have skydived ‘from space’.
If, however, you mean any other definition of ‘from space’ then... Erm.. None really.
The issue here is one of velocity. If by ‘from space’ you mean ‘in-orbit’ or ‘after being captured by earth’ then your bugs will be hitting the atmosphere at speeds on the order of 10km/s.
The heat on re-entry is caused by compressive heating, not friction. Essentially all the air can’t get out of the way because the object re-entering is moving too fast, so it gets squished up and (because physics) heats up too.
If they don’t cause compressive heating and (briefly) turn into glowing bug-cinders then they’re still going to squish up all that air, and also squish up all of themselves.
If they don’t get burnt to a very well-done cricket-croquette or splattered on the windshield of Mother Earth then they still have to deal with the air around them rushing past at hypersonic speeds. Legs, wings, shell casings; anything that is a tiny crevice will get them sent into a high speed tumble and also torn apart.
There is no size of bug that can survive re-entry as it’s commonly understood. The speeds involved are just a bit more than biology was designed to handle.
answered 8 hours ago
Joe BloggsJoe Bloggs
35.9k19102178
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
Accurate, nice imagery. +1
$endgroup$
– Agrajag
8 hours ago
2
$begingroup$
I'm not sure that bugs with exoskeletons would be inherently burnt up. The thing is, they're very small and will thus decelerate very quickly in the atmosphere. So long as they come in in the right orientation will they burn through the carapace before shedding their speed? (Now, whether they survive the deceleration is another matter...)
$endgroup$
– Loren Pechtel
3 hours ago
$begingroup$
@LorenPechtel: I initially thought the same, but just remember that basically all the kinetic energy has to be turned into heat upon reentry. It could still be that the ratio of kinetic energy to surface area/thermal capacity is favorable enough for insects to survive.
$endgroup$
– Michael
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
@LorenPechtel: Even if you approach it from a purely g-force perspective it’s brutal. Let’s say the atmosphere is 20 km thick. That means the insect will have (at best) 2 seconds to go from 10km/s to their terminal velocity (which is low enough that I’ll call it 0 km/s). However you slice it that leaves your insect pulling upwards of 500g while being hit by some very energetic winds.
$endgroup$
– Joe Bloggs
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
Although an insect from orbit would be approaching obliquely... Hmm.. there may be a survival corridor...
$endgroup$
– Joe Bloggs
1 hour ago
|
show 1 more comment
$begingroup$
If by ‘from space’ you mean dropped from above the Karman line: then any. Humans have skydived ‘from space’.
If, however, you mean any other definition of ‘from space’ then... Erm.. None really.
The issue here is one of velocity. If by ‘from space’ you mean ‘in-orbit’ or ‘after being captured by earth’ then your bugs will be hitting the atmosphere at speeds on the order of 10km/s.
The heat on re-entry is caused by compressive heating, not friction. Essentially all the air can’t get out of the way because the object re-entering is moving too fast, so it gets squished up and (because physics) heats up too.
If they don’t cause compressive heating and (briefly) turn into glowing bug-cinders then they’re still going to squish up all that air, and also squish up all of themselves.
If they don’t get burnt to a very well-done cricket-croquette or splattered on the windshield of Mother Earth then they still have to deal with the air around them rushing past at hypersonic speeds. Legs, wings, shell casings; anything that is a tiny crevice will get them sent into a high speed tumble and also torn apart.
There is no size of bug that can survive re-entry as it’s commonly understood. The speeds involved are just a bit more than biology was designed to handle.
answered 8 hours ago
Joe BloggsJoe Bloggs
35.9k19102178
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
Accurate, nice imagery. +1
$endgroup$
– Agrajag
8 hours ago
2
$begingroup$
I'm not sure that bugs with exoskeletons would be inherently burnt up. The thing is, they're very small and will thus decelerate very quickly in the atmosphere. So long as they come in in the right orientation will they burn through the carapace before shedding their speed? (Now, whether they survive the deceleration is another matter...)
$endgroup$
– Loren Pechtel
3 hours ago
$begingroup$
@LorenPechtel: I initially thought the same, but just remember that basically all the kinetic energy has to be turned into heat upon reentry. It could still be that the ratio of kinetic energy to surface area/thermal capacity is favorable enough for insects to survive.
$endgroup$
– Michael
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
@LorenPechtel: Even if you approach it from a purely g-force perspective it’s brutal. Let’s say the atmosphere is 20 km thick. That means the insect will have (at best) 2 seconds to go from 10km/s to their terminal velocity (which is low enough that I’ll call it 0 km/s). However you slice it that leaves your insect pulling upwards of 500g while being hit by some very energetic winds.
$endgroup$
– Joe Bloggs
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
Although an insect from orbit would be approaching obliquely... Hmm.. there may be a survival corridor...
$endgroup$
– Joe Bloggs
1 hour ago
|
show 1 more comment
$begingroup$
If by ‘from space’ you mean dropped from above the Karman line: then any. Humans have skydived ‘from space’.
If, however, you mean any other definition of ‘from space’ then... Erm.. None really.
The issue here is one of velocity. If by ‘from space’ you mean ‘in-orbit’ or ‘after being captured by earth’ then your bugs will be hitting the atmosphere at speeds on the order of 10km/s.
The heat on re-entry is caused by compressive heating, not friction. Essentially all the air can’t get out of the way because the object re-entering is moving too fast, so it gets squished up and (because physics) heats up too.
If they don’t cause compressive heating and (briefly) turn into glowing bug-cinders then they’re still going to squish up all that air, and also squish up all of themselves.
If they don’t get burnt to a very well-done cricket-croquette or splattered on the windshield of Mother Earth then they still have to deal with the air around them rushing past at hypersonic speeds. Legs, wings, shell casings; anything that is a tiny crevice will get them sent into a high speed tumble and also torn apart.
There is no size of bug that can survive re-entry as it’s commonly understood. The speeds involved are just a bit more than biology was designed to handle.
answered 8 hours ago
Joe BloggsJoe Bloggs
35.9k19102178
$endgroup$
If by ‘from space’ you mean dropped from above the Karman line: then any. Humans have skydived ‘from space’.
If, however, you mean any other definition of ‘from space’ then... Erm.. None really.
The issue here is one of velocity. If by ‘from space’ you mean ‘in-orbit’ or ‘after being captured by earth’ then your bugs will be hitting the atmosphere at speeds on the order of 10km/s.
The heat on re-entry is caused by compressive heating, not friction. Essentially all the air can’t get out of the way because the object re-entering is moving too fast, so it gets squished up and (because physics) heats up too.
If they don’t cause compressive heating and (briefly) turn into glowing bug-cinders then they’re still going to squish up all that air, and also squish up all of themselves.
If they don’t get burnt to a very well-done cricket-croquette or splattered on the windshield of Mother Earth then they still have to deal with the air around them rushing past at hypersonic speeds. Legs, wings, shell casings; anything that is a tiny crevice will get them sent into a high speed tumble and also torn apart.
There is no size of bug that can survive re-entry as it’s commonly understood. The speeds involved are just a bit more than biology was designed to handle.
answered 8 hours ago
Joe BloggsJoe Bloggs
35.9k19102178
edited 8 hours ago
answered 8 hours ago
Joe BloggsJoe Bloggs
35.9k19102178
answered 8 hours ago
Joe BloggsJoe Bloggs
35.9k19102178
answered 8 hours ago
Joe BloggsJoe Bloggs
35.9k19102178
35.9k19102178
$begingroup$
Accurate, nice imagery. +1
$endgroup$
– Agrajag
8 hours ago
2
$begingroup$
I'm not sure that bugs with exoskeletons would be inherently burnt up. The thing is, they're very small and will thus decelerate very quickly in the atmosphere. So long as they come in in the right orientation will they burn through the carapace before shedding their speed? (Now, whether they survive the deceleration is another matter...)
$endgroup$
– Loren Pechtel
3 hours ago
$begingroup$
@LorenPechtel: I initially thought the same, but just remember that basically all the kinetic energy has to be turned into heat upon reentry. It could still be that the ratio of kinetic energy to surface area/thermal capacity is favorable enough for insects to survive.
$endgroup$
– Michael
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
@LorenPechtel: Even if you approach it from a purely g-force perspective it’s brutal. Let’s say the atmosphere is 20 km thick. That means the insect will have (at best) 2 seconds to go from 10km/s to their terminal velocity (which is low enough that I’ll call it 0 km/s). However you slice it that leaves your insect pulling upwards of 500g while being hit by some very energetic winds.
$endgroup$
– Joe Bloggs
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
Although an insect from orbit would be approaching obliquely... Hmm.. there may be a survival corridor...
$endgroup$
– Joe Bloggs
1 hour ago
|
show 1 more comment
$begingroup$
Accurate, nice imagery. +1
$endgroup$
– Agrajag
8 hours ago
2
$begingroup$
I'm not sure that bugs with exoskeletons would be inherently burnt up. The thing is, they're very small and will thus decelerate very quickly in the atmosphere. So long as they come in in the right orientation will they burn through the carapace before shedding their speed? (Now, whether they survive the deceleration is another matter...)
$endgroup$
– Loren Pechtel
3 hours ago
$begingroup$
@LorenPechtel: I initially thought the same, but just remember that basically all the kinetic energy has to be turned into heat upon reentry. It could still be that the ratio of kinetic energy to surface area/thermal capacity is favorable enough for insects to survive.
$endgroup$
– Michael
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
@LorenPechtel: Even if you approach it from a purely g-force perspective it’s brutal. Let’s say the atmosphere is 20 km thick. That means the insect will have (at best) 2 seconds to go from 10km/s to their terminal velocity (which is low enough that I’ll call it 0 km/s). However you slice it that leaves your insect pulling upwards of 500g while being hit by some very energetic winds.
$endgroup$
– Joe Bloggs
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
Although an insect from orbit would be approaching obliquely... Hmm.. there may be a survival corridor...
$endgroup$
– Joe Bloggs
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
Accurate, nice imagery. +1
$endgroup$
– Agrajag
8 hours ago
$begingroup$
Accurate, nice imagery. +1
$endgroup$
– Agrajag
8 hours ago
2
2
$begingroup$
I'm not sure that bugs with exoskeletons would be inherently burnt up. The thing is, they're very small and will thus decelerate very quickly in the atmosphere. So long as they come in in the right orientation will they burn through the carapace before shedding their speed? (Now, whether they survive the deceleration is another matter...)
$endgroup$
– Loren Pechtel
3 hours ago
$begingroup$
I'm not sure that bugs with exoskeletons would be inherently burnt up. The thing is, they're very small and will thus decelerate very quickly in the atmosphere. So long as they come in in the right orientation will they burn through the carapace before shedding their speed? (Now, whether they survive the deceleration is another matter...)
$endgroup$
– Loren Pechtel
3 hours ago
$begingroup$
@LorenPechtel: I initially thought the same, but just remember that basically all the kinetic energy has to be turned into heat upon reentry. It could still be that the ratio of kinetic energy to surface area/thermal capacity is favorable enough for insects to survive.
$endgroup$
– Michael
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
@LorenPechtel: I initially thought the same, but just remember that basically all the kinetic energy has to be turned into heat upon reentry. It could still be that the ratio of kinetic energy to surface area/thermal capacity is favorable enough for insects to survive.
$endgroup$
– Michael
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
@LorenPechtel: Even if you approach it from a purely g-force perspective it’s brutal. Let’s say the atmosphere is 20 km thick. That means the insect will have (at best) 2 seconds to go from 10km/s to their terminal velocity (which is low enough that I’ll call it 0 km/s). However you slice it that leaves your insect pulling upwards of 500g while being hit by some very energetic winds.
$endgroup$
– Joe Bloggs
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
@LorenPechtel: Even if you approach it from a purely g-force perspective it’s brutal. Let’s say the atmosphere is 20 km thick. That means the insect will have (at best) 2 seconds to go from 10km/s to their terminal velocity (which is low enough that I’ll call it 0 km/s). However you slice it that leaves your insect pulling upwards of 500g while being hit by some very energetic winds.
$endgroup$
– Joe Bloggs
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
Although an insect from orbit would be approaching obliquely... Hmm.. there may be a survival corridor...
$endgroup$
– Joe Bloggs
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
Although an insect from orbit would be approaching obliquely... Hmm.. there may be a survival corridor...
$endgroup$
– Joe Bloggs
1 hour ago
|
show 1 more comment
$begingroup$
Almost all of them. The terminal velocity of most insects isn't fast enough to generate the friction required to burn. The only issue would be a sustained lack of Oxygen, likely for several minutes depending on the height dropped, in the upper atmosphere. but seeing as you've hand-waved that problem it looks like your bugs are going to be just fine.
Edit: Just FYI this statement only applies if the insects are dropped from a stationary position (or at least relatively slow moving position) If they are traveling at 1000s of km/s they will likely be burnt to a crisp the moment they are released from whatever drop pod they are in.
answered 9 hours ago
Jason DesjardinsJason Desjardins
36916
$endgroup$
4
$begingroup$
Terminal velocity is determined by gravitational acceleration versus atmospheric friction. - in space there is no friction, acceleration would continue over time at 10 m/s/s without friction of an atmosphere. Terminal velocity would tend to the speed of light till it hit the atmosphere. What do you mean a "stationary position" - stationary relative to what?
$endgroup$
– Agrajag
9 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
@Agrajag There is no point within the area where Earth's gravitational pull is dominant that an object can accelerate from stationary with respect to any point on Earth to anywhere near relativistic speeds before hitting heavy atmosphere. While the 10 m/s/s is a good estimate for long enough for it to be a problem for some distances, it is subject to the inverse square radius rule.
$endgroup$
– Ed Grimm
6 hours ago
$begingroup$
@EdGrimm Sure but insects die at a lot lower than relativistic speeds, e.g. say... 1km/s
$endgroup$
– somebody
4 hours ago
$begingroup$
biology.stackexchange.com/questions/59528/…
$endgroup$
– Giu Piete
24 mins ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Almost all of them. The terminal velocity of most insects isn't fast enough to generate the friction required to burn. The only issue would be a sustained lack of Oxygen, likely for several minutes depending on the height dropped, in the upper atmosphere. but seeing as you've hand-waved that problem it looks like your bugs are going to be just fine.
Edit: Just FYI this statement only applies if the insects are dropped from a stationary position (or at least relatively slow moving position) If they are traveling at 1000s of km/s they will likely be burnt to a crisp the moment they are released from whatever drop pod they are in.
answered 9 hours ago
Jason DesjardinsJason Desjardins
36916
$endgroup$
4
$begingroup$
Terminal velocity is determined by gravitational acceleration versus atmospheric friction. - in space there is no friction, acceleration would continue over time at 10 m/s/s without friction of an atmosphere. Terminal velocity would tend to the speed of light till it hit the atmosphere. What do you mean a "stationary position" - stationary relative to what?
$endgroup$
– Agrajag
9 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
@Agrajag There is no point within the area where Earth's gravitational pull is dominant that an object can accelerate from stationary with respect to any point on Earth to anywhere near relativistic speeds before hitting heavy atmosphere. While the 10 m/s/s is a good estimate for long enough for it to be a problem for some distances, it is subject to the inverse square radius rule.
$endgroup$
– Ed Grimm
6 hours ago
$begingroup$
@EdGrimm Sure but insects die at a lot lower than relativistic speeds, e.g. say... 1km/s
$endgroup$
– somebody
4 hours ago
$begingroup$
biology.stackexchange.com/questions/59528/…
$endgroup$
– Giu Piete
24 mins ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Almost all of them. The terminal velocity of most insects isn't fast enough to generate the friction required to burn. The only issue would be a sustained lack of Oxygen, likely for several minutes depending on the height dropped, in the upper atmosphere. but seeing as you've hand-waved that problem it looks like your bugs are going to be just fine.
Edit: Just FYI this statement only applies if the insects are dropped from a stationary position (or at least relatively slow moving position) If they are traveling at 1000s of km/s they will likely be burnt to a crisp the moment they are released from whatever drop pod they are in.
answered 9 hours ago
Jason DesjardinsJason Desjardins
36916
$endgroup$
Almost all of them. The terminal velocity of most insects isn't fast enough to generate the friction required to burn. The only issue would be a sustained lack of Oxygen, likely for several minutes depending on the height dropped, in the upper atmosphere. but seeing as you've hand-waved that problem it looks like your bugs are going to be just fine.
Edit: Just FYI this statement only applies if the insects are dropped from a stationary position (or at least relatively slow moving position) If they are traveling at 1000s of km/s they will likely be burnt to a crisp the moment they are released from whatever drop pod they are in.
answered 9 hours ago
Jason DesjardinsJason Desjardins
36916
answered 9 hours ago
Jason DesjardinsJason Desjardins
36916
answered 9 hours ago
Jason DesjardinsJason Desjardins
36916
answered 9 hours ago
Jason DesjardinsJason Desjardins
36916
36916
4
$begingroup$
Terminal velocity is determined by gravitational acceleration versus atmospheric friction. - in space there is no friction, acceleration would continue over time at 10 m/s/s without friction of an atmosphere. Terminal velocity would tend to the speed of light till it hit the atmosphere. What do you mean a "stationary position" - stationary relative to what?
$endgroup$
– Agrajag
9 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
@Agrajag There is no point within the area where Earth's gravitational pull is dominant that an object can accelerate from stationary with respect to any point on Earth to anywhere near relativistic speeds before hitting heavy atmosphere. While the 10 m/s/s is a good estimate for long enough for it to be a problem for some distances, it is subject to the inverse square radius rule.
$endgroup$
– Ed Grimm
6 hours ago
$begingroup$
@EdGrimm Sure but insects die at a lot lower than relativistic speeds, e.g. say... 1km/s
$endgroup$
– somebody
4 hours ago
$begingroup$
biology.stackexchange.com/questions/59528/…
$endgroup$
– Giu Piete
24 mins ago
add a comment |
4
$begingroup$
Terminal velocity is determined by gravitational acceleration versus atmospheric friction. - in space there is no friction, acceleration would continue over time at 10 m/s/s without friction of an atmosphere. Terminal velocity would tend to the speed of light till it hit the atmosphere. What do you mean a "stationary position" - stationary relative to what?
$endgroup$
– Agrajag
9 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
@Agrajag There is no point within the area where Earth's gravitational pull is dominant that an object can accelerate from stationary with respect to any point on Earth to anywhere near relativistic speeds before hitting heavy atmosphere. While the 10 m/s/s is a good estimate for long enough for it to be a problem for some distances, it is subject to the inverse square radius rule.
$endgroup$
– Ed Grimm
6 hours ago
$begingroup$
@EdGrimm Sure but insects die at a lot lower than relativistic speeds, e.g. say... 1km/s
$endgroup$
– somebody
4 hours ago
$begingroup$
biology.stackexchange.com/questions/59528/…
$endgroup$
– Giu Piete
24 mins ago
4
4
$begingroup$
Terminal velocity is determined by gravitational acceleration versus atmospheric friction. - in space there is no friction, acceleration would continue over time at 10 m/s/s without friction of an atmosphere. Terminal velocity would tend to the speed of light till it hit the atmosphere. What do you mean a "stationary position" - stationary relative to what?
$endgroup$
– Agrajag
9 hours ago
$begingroup$
Terminal velocity is determined by gravitational acceleration versus atmospheric friction. - in space there is no friction, acceleration would continue over time at 10 m/s/s without friction of an atmosphere. Terminal velocity would tend to the speed of light till it hit the atmosphere. What do you mean a "stationary position" - stationary relative to what?
$endgroup$
– Agrajag
9 hours ago
1
1
$begingroup$
@Agrajag There is no point within the area where Earth's gravitational pull is dominant that an object can accelerate from stationary with respect to any point on Earth to anywhere near relativistic speeds before hitting heavy atmosphere. While the 10 m/s/s is a good estimate for long enough for it to be a problem for some distances, it is subject to the inverse square radius rule.
$endgroup$
– Ed Grimm
6 hours ago
$begingroup$
@Agrajag There is no point within the area where Earth's gravitational pull is dominant that an object can accelerate from stationary with respect to any point on Earth to anywhere near relativistic speeds before hitting heavy atmosphere. While the 10 m/s/s is a good estimate for long enough for it to be a problem for some distances, it is subject to the inverse square radius rule.
$endgroup$
– Ed Grimm
6 hours ago
$begingroup$
@EdGrimm Sure but insects die at a lot lower than relativistic speeds, e.g. say... 1km/s
$endgroup$
– somebody
4 hours ago
$begingroup$
@EdGrimm Sure but insects die at a lot lower than relativistic speeds, e.g. say... 1km/s
$endgroup$
– somebody
4 hours ago
$begingroup$
biology.stackexchange.com/questions/59528/…
$endgroup$
– Giu Piete
24 mins ago
$begingroup$
biology.stackexchange.com/questions/59528/…
$endgroup$
– Giu Piete
24 mins ago
add a comment |
$begingroup$
Ok. I’m a scientist of Psychology and curious hobbyist of others so please forgive my ignorance at this subject level. But, I’m just going to break this down in laymen terms for the general readership that may stop by and please feel free to comment for better or worse 😁 be gentle..
If a winged insect weighing of less that a 10 milligrams as does a common average housefly; Flys up to only the height of where the air is 45 degrees, they will severally slow down due to imparement and die when they fly around a temperature below 32 which is at the height of some low fog. https://www.weather.gov/jetstream/layers This site will show you the actual information and if you dig farther you can see in your area of the world, how high Flys’ Fly. So No it can’t and it could even if it could’nt even due to biological size and mass.
The moment it was released into exosphere, after about 10 seconds or so it would vaporize, human skin and the tissue underneath begins to swell as the water in your derma (skin) layers begin to vaporise due to the absence of atmospheric pressure. Thats a human with pretty tough skin. the human body is capable of slowing down radiation. Passing through its body. It does make its way through it but by then we are dead. A common fly is made up of primarily liquid so as a human, it too would vaporize, but much faster due to its 10 milligram weight.
answered 1 hour ago
Kelly SwansonKelly Swanson
92
New contributor
Kelly Swanson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
$endgroup$
1
$begingroup$
Welcome to worldbuilding.SE. It's great that you contribute, however I can't really see what your point is. Please clarify how this would answer the question, and either elaborate or give concrete references for the details.
$endgroup$
– leftaroundabout
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
The moment it was released into exosphere I think it would evaporate to freeze dried pieces basically. It’s basic science.
$endgroup$
– Kelly Swanson
1 hour ago
1
$begingroup$
So you argue that the low-temperature, low-pressure environment would kill them regardless of any burning-up concerns. Possibly, I know very little about insects – however, the question specifically asked “without burning up”, and provided references that vacuum is survivable for insects. I would presume the cold is survivable too. But if you know of evidence that it's not, do edit that into your answer.
$endgroup$
– leftaroundabout
1 hour ago
1
$begingroup$
The moment it was released into exosphere, after about 10 seconds or so, human skin and the tissue underneath begins to swell as the water in your derma (skin) layers begin to vaporise due to the absence of atmospheric pressure. Thats a human with pretty tough skin. the human body is capable of slowing down radiation. Passing through its body. It does make its way through it but by then we are dead. A common fly is made up of primarily liquid so as a human, it too would vaporize, but much faster due to its 10 milligram weight.
$endgroup$
– Kelly Swanson
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
@KellySwanson, if you are clarifying your answer it is better to edit it, rather then writing comments.
$endgroup$
– L.Dutch♦
45 mins ago
|
show 1 more comment
$begingroup$
Ok. I’m a scientist of Psychology and curious hobbyist of others so please forgive my ignorance at this subject level. But, I’m just going to break this down in laymen terms for the general readership that may stop by and please feel free to comment for better or worse 😁 be gentle..
If a winged insect weighing of less that a 10 milligrams as does a common average housefly; Flys up to only the height of where the air is 45 degrees, they will severally slow down due to imparement and die when they fly around a temperature below 32 which is at the height of some low fog. https://www.weather.gov/jetstream/layers This site will show you the actual information and if you dig farther you can see in your area of the world, how high Flys’ Fly. So No it can’t and it could even if it could’nt even due to biological size and mass.
The moment it was released into exosphere, after about 10 seconds or so it would vaporize, human skin and the tissue underneath begins to swell as the water in your derma (skin) layers begin to vaporise due to the absence of atmospheric pressure. Thats a human with pretty tough skin. the human body is capable of slowing down radiation. Passing through its body. It does make its way through it but by then we are dead. A common fly is made up of primarily liquid so as a human, it too would vaporize, but much faster due to its 10 milligram weight.
answered 1 hour ago
Kelly SwansonKelly Swanson
92
New contributor
Kelly Swanson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
$endgroup$
1
$begingroup$
Welcome to worldbuilding.SE. It's great that you contribute, however I can't really see what your point is. Please clarify how this would answer the question, and either elaborate or give concrete references for the details.
$endgroup$
– leftaroundabout
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
The moment it was released into exosphere I think it would evaporate to freeze dried pieces basically. It’s basic science.
$endgroup$
– Kelly Swanson
1 hour ago
1
$begingroup$
So you argue that the low-temperature, low-pressure environment would kill them regardless of any burning-up concerns. Possibly, I know very little about insects – however, the question specifically asked “without burning up”, and provided references that vacuum is survivable for insects. I would presume the cold is survivable too. But if you know of evidence that it's not, do edit that into your answer.
$endgroup$
– leftaroundabout
1 hour ago
1
$begingroup$
The moment it was released into exosphere, after about 10 seconds or so, human skin and the tissue underneath begins to swell as the water in your derma (skin) layers begin to vaporise due to the absence of atmospheric pressure. Thats a human with pretty tough skin. the human body is capable of slowing down radiation. Passing through its body. It does make its way through it but by then we are dead. A common fly is made up of primarily liquid so as a human, it too would vaporize, but much faster due to its 10 milligram weight.
$endgroup$
– Kelly Swanson
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
@KellySwanson, if you are clarifying your answer it is better to edit it, rather then writing comments.
$endgroup$
– L.Dutch♦
45 mins ago
|
show 1 more comment
$begingroup$
Ok. I’m a scientist of Psychology and curious hobbyist of others so please forgive my ignorance at this subject level. But, I’m just going to break this down in laymen terms for the general readership that may stop by and please feel free to comment for better or worse 😁 be gentle..
If a winged insect weighing of less that a 10 milligrams as does a common average housefly; Flys up to only the height of where the air is 45 degrees, they will severally slow down due to imparement and die when they fly around a temperature below 32 which is at the height of some low fog. https://www.weather.gov/jetstream/layers This site will show you the actual information and if you dig farther you can see in your area of the world, how high Flys’ Fly. So No it can’t and it could even if it could’nt even due to biological size and mass.
The moment it was released into exosphere, after about 10 seconds or so it would vaporize, human skin and the tissue underneath begins to swell as the water in your derma (skin) layers begin to vaporise due to the absence of atmospheric pressure. Thats a human with pretty tough skin. the human body is capable of slowing down radiation. Passing through its body. It does make its way through it but by then we are dead. A common fly is made up of primarily liquid so as a human, it too would vaporize, but much faster due to its 10 milligram weight.
answered 1 hour ago
Kelly SwansonKelly Swanson
92
New contributor
Kelly Swanson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
$endgroup$
Ok. I’m a scientist of Psychology and curious hobbyist of others so please forgive my ignorance at this subject level. But, I’m just going to break this down in laymen terms for the general readership that may stop by and please feel free to comment for better or worse 😁 be gentle..
If a winged insect weighing of less that a 10 milligrams as does a common average housefly; Flys up to only the height of where the air is 45 degrees, they will severally slow down due to imparement and die when they fly around a temperature below 32 which is at the height of some low fog. https://www.weather.gov/jetstream/layers This site will show you the actual information and if you dig farther you can see in your area of the world, how high Flys’ Fly. So No it can’t and it could even if it could’nt even due to biological size and mass.
The moment it was released into exosphere, after about 10 seconds or so it would vaporize, human skin and the tissue underneath begins to swell as the water in your derma (skin) layers begin to vaporise due to the absence of atmospheric pressure. Thats a human with pretty tough skin. the human body is capable of slowing down radiation. Passing through its body. It does make its way through it but by then we are dead. A common fly is made up of primarily liquid so as a human, it too would vaporize, but much faster due to its 10 milligram weight.
answered 1 hour ago
Kelly SwansonKelly Swanson
92
New contributor
Kelly Swanson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited 1 hour ago
answered 1 hour ago
Kelly SwansonKelly Swanson
92
New contributor
Kelly Swanson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 1 hour ago
Kelly SwansonKelly Swanson
92
answered 1 hour ago
Kelly SwansonKelly Swanson
92
92
New contributor
Kelly Swanson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Kelly Swanson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Kelly Swanson is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
1
$begingroup$
Welcome to worldbuilding.SE. It's great that you contribute, however I can't really see what your point is. Please clarify how this would answer the question, and either elaborate or give concrete references for the details.
$endgroup$
– leftaroundabout
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
The moment it was released into exosphere I think it would evaporate to freeze dried pieces basically. It’s basic science.
$endgroup$
– Kelly Swanson
1 hour ago
1
$begingroup$
So you argue that the low-temperature, low-pressure environment would kill them regardless of any burning-up concerns. Possibly, I know very little about insects – however, the question specifically asked “without burning up”, and provided references that vacuum is survivable for insects. I would presume the cold is survivable too. But if you know of evidence that it's not, do edit that into your answer.
$endgroup$
– leftaroundabout
1 hour ago
1
$begingroup$
The moment it was released into exosphere, after about 10 seconds or so, human skin and the tissue underneath begins to swell as the water in your derma (skin) layers begin to vaporise due to the absence of atmospheric pressure. Thats a human with pretty tough skin. the human body is capable of slowing down radiation. Passing through its body. It does make its way through it but by then we are dead. A common fly is made up of primarily liquid so as a human, it too would vaporize, but much faster due to its 10 milligram weight.
$endgroup$
– Kelly Swanson
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
@KellySwanson, if you are clarifying your answer it is better to edit it, rather then writing comments.
$endgroup$
– L.Dutch♦
45 mins ago
|
show 1 more comment
1
$begingroup$
Welcome to worldbuilding.SE. It's great that you contribute, however I can't really see what your point is. Please clarify how this would answer the question, and either elaborate or give concrete references for the details.
$endgroup$
– leftaroundabout
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
The moment it was released into exosphere I think it would evaporate to freeze dried pieces basically. It’s basic science.
$endgroup$
– Kelly Swanson
1 hour ago
1
$begingroup$
So you argue that the low-temperature, low-pressure environment would kill them regardless of any burning-up concerns. Possibly, I know very little about insects – however, the question specifically asked “without burning up”, and provided references that vacuum is survivable for insects. I would presume the cold is survivable too. But if you know of evidence that it's not, do edit that into your answer.
$endgroup$
– leftaroundabout
1 hour ago
1
$begingroup$
The moment it was released into exosphere, after about 10 seconds or so, human skin and the tissue underneath begins to swell as the water in your derma (skin) layers begin to vaporise due to the absence of atmospheric pressure. Thats a human with pretty tough skin. the human body is capable of slowing down radiation. Passing through its body. It does make its way through it but by then we are dead. A common fly is made up of primarily liquid so as a human, it too would vaporize, but much faster due to its 10 milligram weight.
$endgroup$
– Kelly Swanson
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
@KellySwanson, if you are clarifying your answer it is better to edit it, rather then writing comments.
$endgroup$
– L.Dutch♦
45 mins ago
1
1
$begingroup$
Welcome to worldbuilding.SE. It's great that you contribute, however I can't really see what your point is. Please clarify how this would answer the question, and either elaborate or give concrete references for the details.
$endgroup$
– leftaroundabout
1 hour ago
$begingroup$
Welcome to worldbuilding.SE. It's great that you contribute, however I can't really see what your point is. Please clarify how this would answer the question, and either elaborate or give concrete references for the details.
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– leftaroundabout
1 hour ago
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The moment it was released into exosphere I think it would evaporate to freeze dried pieces basically. It’s basic science.
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– Kelly Swanson
1 hour ago
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The moment it was released into exosphere I think it would evaporate to freeze dried pieces basically. It’s basic science.
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– Kelly Swanson
1 hour ago
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So you argue that the low-temperature, low-pressure environment would kill them regardless of any burning-up concerns. Possibly, I know very little about insects – however, the question specifically asked “without burning up”, and provided references that vacuum is survivable for insects. I would presume the cold is survivable too. But if you know of evidence that it's not, do edit that into your answer.
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– leftaroundabout
1 hour ago
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So you argue that the low-temperature, low-pressure environment would kill them regardless of any burning-up concerns. Possibly, I know very little about insects – however, the question specifically asked “without burning up”, and provided references that vacuum is survivable for insects. I would presume the cold is survivable too. But if you know of evidence that it's not, do edit that into your answer.
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– leftaroundabout
1 hour ago
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The moment it was released into exosphere, after about 10 seconds or so, human skin and the tissue underneath begins to swell as the water in your derma (skin) layers begin to vaporise due to the absence of atmospheric pressure. Thats a human with pretty tough skin. the human body is capable of slowing down radiation. Passing through its body. It does make its way through it but by then we are dead. A common fly is made up of primarily liquid so as a human, it too would vaporize, but much faster due to its 10 milligram weight.
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– Kelly Swanson
1 hour ago
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The moment it was released into exosphere, after about 10 seconds or so, human skin and the tissue underneath begins to swell as the water in your derma (skin) layers begin to vaporise due to the absence of atmospheric pressure. Thats a human with pretty tough skin. the human body is capable of slowing down radiation. Passing through its body. It does make its way through it but by then we are dead. A common fly is made up of primarily liquid so as a human, it too would vaporize, but much faster due to its 10 milligram weight.
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– Kelly Swanson
1 hour ago
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@KellySwanson, if you are clarifying your answer it is better to edit it, rather then writing comments.
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– L.Dutch♦
45 mins ago
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@KellySwanson, if you are clarifying your answer it is better to edit it, rather then writing comments.
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– L.Dutch♦
45 mins ago
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Not an answer since it's only the first half, but since the heat is caused from friction with the air, and the friction is caused by speed, in theory slow enough moving insects wouldn't burn up. Now, I'd imagine it'd become an issue of how they'd slow themselves with the thin atmosphere, and I'll have to leave that to someone else to answer.
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– Nex Terren
10 hours ago
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Wrap them in some hand wavy bubble wrap type material that partially dissolves and reforms into a parachute once it reaches an altitude suitable for parachuting.
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– SlothsAndMe
10 hours ago
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Are the insects supposed to reenter on their own, or with the help of e.g. pods or capsules?
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– Cadence
10 hours ago
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@ Cadence - On their own.
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– chasly from UK
10 hours ago
2
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Too short for an answer - none. You hit the atmosphere at 10,000 mph (near orbital velocity) and there wouldn't even be ashes left.
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– pojo-guy
10 hours ago