I was impressed that they dismissed the “blow it to bits” approach and thought of the gravity tractor (though it seems a bit late for that to me).
Anyhow, any accurate science is probably due to our own Bad Astronomer, who is the science consultant: http://www.syfy.com/syfywire/ten-things-you-don’t-know-about-asteroids-and-impacts-thereof
Brian
I just watched the first episode. I have a problem with the premise.
Which would be more habitable; Earth after an asteroid strike, or Mars? I would think Earth. As bad as it would be on Earth, Mars would be worse. Earth retained a livable biosphere after previous strikes. Mars has very little atmosphere and no protection from solar radiation.
So wouldn’t it make more sense to fly the 160 people to a safe position (maybe lunar orbit), wait out the strike, then return to Earth after things settle down?