Experts: Nukes May Save Earth From Asteroids

Experts believe nuclear weapons could serve as Earth's ultimate defense against catastrophic asteroid impacts. Recent experiments, using particle accelerators to mimic nuclear detonations on meteorite fragments, suggest these powerful weapons may effectively destroy or deflect planet-killing space rocks. Unlike previous concerns that a nuclear blast could shatter an asteroid into multiple radioactive fragments, new findings indicate that iron-rich asteroids are surprisingly resilient.

Carried out near Geneva, the experiment involved bombarding ancient meteorite fragments with subatomic particles. The results showed that the iron-rich material hardened under intense radiation, absorbing and redistributing stress rather than breaking apart. This discovery provides scientists with "much more flexibility," potentially allowing for a larger 'nudge' without risking fragmentation. A nuclear device would be detonated at a stand-off distance, vaporizing surface rock to alter the asteroid's trajectory.

This strategy, however, is only viable for metallic asteroids. Scientists can identify asteroid composition using telescopes, confirming if a nuclear deflection method is suitable. For "rubble pile" asteroids, composed of loose dust and stones, a gentler approach would be necessary. NASA's 2022 DART mission demonstrated that altering an asteroid's path is possible, but a larger, faster-approaching threat might necessitate a nuclear option.