A genius? I just love studying.

Chapter 339 Asteroid Defense Plan

Zhang Nan quickly contacted his friend, Li Na, who was also a seasoned enthusiast.

Li Na possessed more powerful data processing capabilities and a set of professional orbit calculation software. The two collaborated and conducted intensive observations of the target over the next few clear nights, obtaining more precise location data.

When Li Na input a series of observation data into the software and pressed the calculation button, the preliminary orbital diagram generated on the screen made her frown.

“Zhang Nan, something’s wrong.” Li Na’s voice came through the communicator, tinged with confusion. “Its orbit… is so strange.”

Its extremely high eccentricity is not surprising, but its perihelion... you see, it's almost pointing towards the inner circle of the Sun, and its ecliptic plane inclination is also unusual.

"More importantly, according to the retrospective, it doesn't seem to have been disturbed in the asteroid belt, but rather... it seems to have come from the more distant Kuiper Belt."

"What do you mean?" Zhang Nan's heart skipped a beat.

"It does not matter."

Li Na shook her head, trying to ignore those vague and unrealistic thoughts, and instead looked at the predicted image on the screen, fine beads of sweat appearing on her forehead. "According to the prediction, this asteroid will have a miraculously dangerous intersection with Earth's orbit!"

Without hesitation, they immediately submitted all their observation data and orbital analysis reports to the China Asteroid Center and copied them to several major official space agencies.

They initially expected to receive an official review or questioning, but the response was surprisingly swift and... formulaic.

The official statement thanked them for their contributions, confirmed the object's provisional designation as 2032-ALX, and stated that it is being continuously monitored. No further information was provided beyond that.

This made both of them feel uneasy; the other person's reaction was too calm, as if they had known about it all along.

But if they already knew, why didn't they announce it?

This inevitably led them to have bad thoughts.

……

At NASA, dozens of experts in related fields gathered together, looking at the latest observation results, feeling as if their hearts had been torn apart, and a chill ran down their spines.

According to their observations and calculations, the asteroid is over 100 kilometers in diameter. They don't know how big the meteorite that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs was, but they know that if this asteroid were to collide with Earth, Earth's civilization would be destroyed.

No, Earth may not necessarily be destroyed, but they certainly will.

China has already built immigration bases on Mars and the Moon, so they could easily go to Mars for refuge, but they simply don't have the technology, so they can't escape even if they wanted to.

The diameter of the ALX was precisely measured to be 151.4 kilometers, and its mass was estimated to be over two trillion tons. The kinetic energy it carried was equivalent to hundreds of billions of the largest nuclear bombs ever detonated in human history.

A planet of this size is simply impossible to destroy with their current technology.

Between the discovery of the asteroid and its predicted impact point, Earth has less than two years to go.

To design, build, launch, and implement any device capable of deflecting a celestial body of such mass in such a short time is practically a pipe dream.

The existing chemical fuel rocket propulsion capabilities are like trying to change the course of an aircraft carrier with a toy water gun when faced with such a task.

Even if all reserves of nuclear fusion fuel were used and a completely new giant thruster were designed, there would still be far too little time.

What made them even more desperate was that the internal structure of ALX could not be fully explored.

It could be a loose pile of rubble or a solid, solid mass.

If it is the former, any attached thruster may have nowhere to attach to its surface, and may even disintegrate when thrust is applied.

If it is the latter, its structural strength may far exceed the upper limit of current human materials science, making it difficult to drill or fix equipment.

This asteroid from outer space is like a death countdown hanging over the heads of everyone on Earth.

In comparison, the dinosaurs that went extinct were actually lucky; at least they didn't have to live in fear of death before their extinction.

Has China issued any statement?

After the technical demonstration meeting concluded, an expert looked at the chief scientist and asked with hopeful intent.

If anyone on Earth could resolve this crisis, they couldn't think of any force other than China.

"We've already contacted them, but they haven't replied yet."

The chief scientist looked rather grim. Saying there was no reply was just self-aggrandizement; in reality, China had completely ignored them.

Not only America, but also Germany, France, Britain, Japan... all countries that can observe ALX are now focusing their attention on China.

Now they can only rely on China.

At this moment, everyone in the internal meeting of China also had solemn expressions. Even though China's technological level has far surpassed that of other countries on Earth, they were still somewhat helpless in the face of such a behemoth.

"Perhaps we should abandon Earth and start the immigration plan now. A year or so is enough time for us to establish a second base on Mars."

Some people have given up on treating Blue Star altogether; an asteroid of that size is beyond human control.

"How can a little over a year be enough time?"

How many people must we abandon?

"The Mars base is still under observation, and the magnetic field has not fully recovered. Can a large-scale migration be guaranteed to be safe?"

This proposal naturally met with much opposition.

Their previous actions on Mars could have been very bold, because even if Mars suffered some devastating blow as a result, it wouldn't matter, they still had Earth as a solid backing, and they still had a way out.

However, if Earth is destroyed and everyone goes to Mars, they will not dare to be so bold in their subsequent experiments. They will definitely be constrained and even, a single experimental accident could lead to the destruction of the entire civilization.

Although Mars has now received some immigrants, everyone knows that its ecosystem is extremely fragile, and any small change could lead to its destruction.

Even the gravitational changes caused by ALX passing through the solar system could lead to the collapse of the Martian ecosystem. Perhaps if they did migrate there, they would perish before Earth itself is destroyed.

"Do we have any other options?"

The old man who proposed immigrating to Mars asked a counter-question.

All the doubts subsided immediately.

Do they have any other options?
"Does anyone remember a movie called 'The Wandering Earth'?"

At this point, a slightly younger elderly man stood up and said, "We can install a propulsion engine on the ALX to change its trajectory."

"That's a behemoth weighing two hundred trillion tons. How much energy would be needed to move it?"

“In the past, there would have been no way, but now, with nuclear fusion power engines, we may not be without a chance.”

"There's too little time; there's no hope."

"How will you know if you don't try?"

A heated debate erupted again in the meeting room. Half an hour later, the meeting room fell silent once more; neither those who wanted to immigrate nor those who wanted to move the mountain could convince the other.

Finally, everyone looked at Mr. Qian, who was at the head of the table.

After pondering for a long time, Qian Lao slowly said, "Send out an advance team to investigate the surface of ALX and determine whether it is a pile of rubble or a tough nut to crack."

"The immigration plan and the mountain-moving plan are being carried out simultaneously."

"All spacecraft are on standby, nuclear fusion power engines are designed, and they will be installed on ALX. At the same time, the selection of immigrants will be determined, and the immigration plan will be completed when the spacecraft passes by Mars."

Mr. Qian made a decision quickly.

Everyone fell silent. The decision seemed comprehensive, but everyone understood that being comprehensive could very well result in doing nothing well.

Because in a limited amount of time, we can accomplish great things by concentrating our efforts.

"Get other countries involved in this project. If they don't have nuclear fusion engines, chemical fuel engines will do. Let them provide all kinds of resources."

This matter is not just a matter for China. In the past, China had no interest in wasting time and energy on this tiny planet, but if someone is not cooperating, then we must first pacify the internal situation before dealing with external threats.

"Let's announce this news and our plans to the outside world."

The truth will out. Qian Xuesen had no intention of hiding the Blue Star crisis. On the contrary, he believed that only by announcing it could people be better united. With proper guidance, the power that the people could unleash was astonishing.

After completing all the arrangements, Professor Qian added, "Also, contact Professor Chen as soon as possible and have him join this operation."

Faced with such a critical situation, the only person he could think of was that young man.

Unexpectedly, no one objected. They thought of the recent incident in Hagasha. If Professor Chen could join, perhaps there would really be a turning point.

But what can Professor Chen accomplish in such a short time?

Nobody knows.

What made them even more bewildered and uneasy was that the asteroid appeared so suddenly, as if it had appeared out of thin air, and it was heading straight for Earth.

It's all too coincidental.

Perhaps something has changed in the outer universe, or perhaps it is not just an asteroid.

But they don't have time to investigate that problem right now; their immediate priority is to survive the crisis posed by this asteroid.

……

There are no secrets that stay hidden forever; the news had already spread like wildfire before the official announcement.

The astronomy enthusiast community was in an uproar.

When several other amateur astronomers also discovered the asteroid, and experts used more powerful simulation software to extrapolate the future orbit of this asteroid, tentatively designated 2032-ALX, a chilling result emerged.

Simulations show that in a little over a year, 2032-ALX will have an extremely dangerous intersection with Earth's orbit.

The margin of error is very small, but the probability of impact keeps increasing with each correction. What's even more frightening is that its enormous mass means that any impact would be a civilization-ending event.

Fear spread rapidly through astronomy communities and online forums, like ink dripping into clear water.

The combination of keywords such as "extinction-level asteroid," "orbital anomaly," and "official silence" has sparked wild speculation and uncontrollable panic.

Although mainstream media remained cautious in the early stages, rumors and social media had already spiraled out of control.

Only then did the Chinese government issue an official statement, which came as a bombshell.

It confirms the worst-case scenario, with destruction indeed looming overhead, but at the same time, it also suggests that the authorities are not unprepared and may even be secretly carrying out some kind of salvation plan.

This statement did not quell public panic; instead, it made the situation even more chaotic.

Until the official announcement that Chen Hui had joined the asteroid defense program, the atmosphere suddenly cleared up, and everyone regained hope. Perhaps Professor Chen could turn the tide.

Of course, a small number of people remain pessimistic, even attributing the crisis to Chen Hui, believing that Chen Hui's Chaos Ring project angered God and that the Chaos Ring was a blasphemous project, which is why God keeps sending down disasters to punish people.

Otherwise, how can we explain the terrifying Typhoon Hagasa, which was so powerful it could almost destroy the world, and how can we explain this asteroid?
While there have been meteorological disasters in the past, none have ever been this terrifying. Divine punishment is the only explanation.

This claim gained a large following, and the Anti-Chaos Ring Alliance reappeared in the public eye.

"Perhaps we can pause the Chaos Ring Project for now."

In the courtyard, Old Qian looked at Chen Hui, who had rushed over, and asked for his opinion.

In just a few days, deep wrinkles appeared on his forehead, making him look several years older.

His decisions these days seem decisive, but the pressure he bears is unprecedented.

The Chaos Ring Project consumes a large portion of China's current industrial output. If the Chaos Ring Project were stopped and the project were put into full operation, it might be possible to push forward ALX and save Earth in less than two years.

Chen Hui shook his head firmly, "The Chaos Ring Project cannot be stopped. Not only can it not be stopped, but its progress must be accelerated!"

"This asteroid came about very strangely. Now that the ALX crisis has been resolved, what should we do next?"

"We must accelerate basic scientific research and find the next breakthrough as soon as possible. Only by achieving a qualitative leap can we meet the challenges ahead."

Looking at the bright starry sky, Chen Hui felt a sense of urgency.

"But only by surviving can we have the right to think about the future," Old Qian said helplessly.

"Leave the ALX problem to me!"

Chen Hui said without hesitation.

……

In Hengyang, Zhang Nan and Li Na watched the news with mixed feelings.

They were both the ones who opened Pandora's box and, to some extent, the catalysts that brought the truth to light. They were enveloped by lingering fear and a sense of powerlessness.

“They already knew…” Zhang Nan murmured.

“Moreover, the asteroid defense plan they mentioned…” Li Na looked out the window at the seemingly calm night sky, “was definitely not something that started after the discovery of this rock.”

"What we discovered may not just be a stone, but... a signal, and we just happened to be the first civilian antenna to receive it."

The public was gripped by doomsday panic and suspicion due to the discovery by astronomy enthusiasts, while the government was secretly pushing forward with the ultimate defense plan codenamed "Mountain Moving," which was crucial to the survival of civilization.

The starry sky is still dazzling, but in the eyes of countless people, it has become incredibly unfamiliar and dangerous.

(End of this chapter)