Both the reading and lecture focus on the explosion in Tunguska in 1908. The reading states that it was a methane gas explosion, whereas the lecturer argues that it was caused by an asteroid strike. The reading suggests that the absence of asteroid material and witness accounts of an asteroid entering the sky provide no evidence of an asteroid strike. In contrast, the lecturer asserts that people reported seeing a bright light in the sky, possibly indicating the entry of an asteroid into the atmosphere.
Furthermore, there was a massive explosion and a strong gust of wind that resembled the aftermath of an asteroid collision. The reading states that an asteroid typically creates a substantial impact crater, which has not been discovered in Tunguska. Additionally, the author suggests that the extensive forest damage could be attributed to a methane explosion. Conversely, the professor argues that the asteroid exploded in mid-air, preventing the formation of rocks and impact craters. Moreover, only the leaves and branches of trees beneath the explosion were affected, resembling the impact of an asteroid.
In summary, the writer states that the air contains a high level of methane gas, suggesting that an explosion may have occurred due to its release or by being ignited by nearby lightning. However, the lecturer disagrees, arguing that the explosion in Tunguska would require an immense amount of methane gas that is not found in that area. Additionally, the lecturer points out that a gas explosion would have caused fires, which were not observed. Ultimately, the lecturer believes that the explosion was caused by an asteroid impact, whereas the writer argues it was due to methane gas.
