If given enough time, we have the capability to launch a nuclear device at an asteroid heading toward Earth, detonating the device to alter the asteroid’s trajectory.
The idea of using nuclear weapons to prevent an asteroid from colliding with Earth often appears in science fiction movies. However, a research team in the United States is now exploring the possibility of making this idea a reality.
Asteroid collisions can have severe consequences for humanity. (Image: auntspray / Adobe).
Previously, there were many arguments against using nuclear weapons to deflect asteroids, as it would create countless small fragments. It would be extremely dangerous if these debris fell to Earth simultaneously.
To validate this concern, scientists from the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) conducted a simulation experiment of the process.
They employed the “nuclear ablation” technique powerful enough to destroy part of the asteroid and alter its flight path, while simulating common types of asteroids found in space.
In addition to confirming the feasibility of bombarding asteroids with nuclear weapons, they also examined how the radiation would interact with the asteroid during the explosion.
Illustration showing the response of an asteroid during a nuclear explosion. (Image: Mary Burkey/LLNL).
After meticulous examination, the research team concluded that preventing an asteroid with nuclear weapons is feasible, but requires extremely high precision at each step of execution.
“If we have enough time to prepare, we can launch a nuclear device at an asteroid heading toward Earth, then detonate the device to alter the object’s trajectory. Alternatively, we can break the asteroid into smaller, fast-moving pieces that do not fall to Earth,” explained researcher Mary Burkey from LLNL.
However, scientists caution that the practical effectiveness of this method remains a significant question mark as it heavily depends on “accurate multiphysics simulations.” Additionally, humanity requires a substantial amount of data about the asteroid we intend to bombard, which is an area where we currently lack information.
Nonetheless, there are still various ways to prevent an asteroid from colliding with Earth, such as using spacecraft.
In 2022, NASA’s DART spacecraft successfully collided with the asteroid Dimorphos, successfully altering the trajectory of the hazardous object headed toward Earth. Japan is also considering several alternative options.
