RETALIATE
A device located on the ground senses a danger coming from high above. That's a 'red alert' for the device to get into action. It calculates the velocity with which the danger is approaching. It also calculates the probable path the danger is going to follow (it's trajectory to land on the ground). This information is then transmitted to another component of the same device which estimates the impact it would generate upon hitting the ground. Finally, the third component launches an equally powerful counterstrike in the direction of the danger so as to destroy and prevent it from penetrating.
The first component is the RADAR system. It stands for Radio Detection and Ranging. Radio waves are a component of light. When we say 'light' it is not just the part that we are able to see, but also the one that is beyond the limits of our eyesight. This entire range over which light is distributed is called an electromagnetic spectrum.
This spectrum ranges from the longest wavelength radio waves to the shortest wavelength gamma rays. The wavelength (the distance travelled by the light wave) is inversely proportional to its frequency or intensity. Hence, radio waves have a very less frequency. But since they are long-ranged, they can be used to detect objects from far away distances, and that is what a RADAR does. Although invisible to our eye, but by making use of sensitive instruments, we are able to detect these radio waves and the objects they interact with.
The second component is the control unit that estimates the target and the 'potential degree of havoc' that would be caused by the danger. The third component is a launcher vehicle that consists of missiles stacked together. One of these is then shot in the direction of the danger based on the calculations of the previous two components. The missile collides with the danger, the remains of this collision are targeted to the minimum impact regions.
This device is a part of the Iron dome system comprising of such devices spread across a region. Each device has its spread over a particular range. A defense-technological marvel- it has saved several lives and has helped in eliminating the havoc of missile bombings.
I wonder if we humans have a similar kind of system around us. It would aid in retaliating the invisible garbage people target at us. And to throw it back at their faces. Life would be a little bit easier.
©Neha Kanase
