Nuclear Detonation Above Asteroids Could Be Earth’s Best Defense Against Space Rocks
A new laboratory experiment conducted by an international team of researchers has reinforced the idea that a nuclear detonation above an incoming asteroid could effectively prevent a catastrophic impact on Earth. The study confirmed that X-rays emitted by a suitably-sized nuclear blast could deflect asteroids as large as 3 to 5 kilometers (around 2 to 3 miles) wide, potentially steering them off a collision course with our planet.
While there is no immediate threat from hazardous near-Earth asteroids, the catastrophic potential of an unexpected impact makes it crucial to develop reliable strategies for planetary defense.
Nuclear Option: Our Best Bet for Large Asteroids
Recent success in asteroid deflection was demonstrated by NASA’s DART mission, which successfully altered the orb...
