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Scientists at Sandia National Labs Demonstrate Nuclear Explosions Can Deflect Large Asteroids

Sep 23, 2024, 06:29 PM

Scientists have demonstrated a revolutionary method to deflect large asteroids using nuclear explosions. A new study, conducted by scientists at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, suggests that nuclear explosions a mile away from asteroids could deflect them, rather than shattering them into fragments. This method was tested using the Z machine, which created miniature nuclear blasts in a lab setting. The experiment shows that, in a worst-case scenario, humanity could use a nuclear explosion to save the planet from a deadly impact. X-rays from the nuclear explosion could redirect an asteroid, providing a potential solution to avert catastrophic asteroid strikes. Scientists tested asteroid mockups with X-rays to validate this method.