Main information
- Scientists used X-rays generated by a powerful machine at Sandia National Laboratories to deflect a small “dummy asteroid.”
- The fictional asteroid reached a speed of 250 kilometers per hour, comparable to that of a high-speed train.
- Nuclear explosions could potentially vaporize the surfaces of larger asteroids and push them away from Earth’s path.
Scientists recently conducted a laboratory experiment simulating the use of nuclear weapons to deflect an asteroid. They bombarded a small, marble-sized fictional asteroid with X-rays generated by the world’s most powerful X-ray machine, located at Sandia National Laboratories.
The X-rays vaporized the surface of the dummy asteroid and propelled it in the opposite direction, turning it into a rocket engine. The dummy asteroid reached a speed of 250 kilometers per hour, comparable to that of a high-speed train. This experiment was the first to confirm predictions about the effect of X-rays on an asteroid.
Understanding the deflection of an asteroid
This concept builds on the success of NASA’s DART mission in 2022, in which a spacecraft successfully knocked a large asteroid off course. However, for larger asteroids, such as those capable of causing global extinction, simply crashing a spacecraft into them may not be enough.
The theory suggests that a nuclear explosion could vaporize the surface of an asteroid and push it away from Earth’s path. This method is based on the fact that much of the energy from a nuclear explosion is released in the form of X-rays, which are very effective at vaporizing matter in space.
Challenges and implications
While this concept is promising, significant challenges remain. Scientists must understand the diverse compositions of asteroids and develop strategies to effectively deploy a nuclear device without endangering Earth. The success of such a mission would depend on detecting potential threats well in advance, allowing ample time for planning and execution.
The researchers estimated that X-rays emitted by a one-megaton nuclear weapon could potentially deflect an asteroid up to four kilometers wide, given sufficient preparation time. While the scale of a real-world mission involving a nuclear device is daunting, this study provides valuable insights into the potential effectiveness of using nuclear power to protect Earth from devastating asteroid impacts.
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