Scientists propose nuclear X-rays to deflect asteroids headed for Earth.

Science

Scientists have found that nuclear explosions could help protect Earth from asteroid impacts — not by destroying asteroids — but by using X-rays to nudge them off their path. A new study from Sandia National Laboratories suggests that detonating a nuclear device near an asteroid could generate X-rays strong enough to vaporize part of its surface, creating a force that could deflect its course.

Testing Asteroid Deflection with X-rays

The concept was tested using Sandia’s Z Machine, the most powerful X-ray source on Earth. By generating a burst of X-rays similar to those from a nuclear explosion, researchers were able to simulate the conditions that an asteroid would experience. The experiment successfully demonstrated how these intense X-rays could vaporize surface material from the asteroid, pushing it in a new direction.

Simulating Asteroid Deflection in the Lab

For their experiments, the researchers used quartz and silica targets, materials commonly found in asteroids. They hung the targets in a vacuum and exposed them to powerful X-rays, which generated a vapour plume that caused the targets to accelerate. This simulated the effect of an asteroid being hit by X-rays in space. The targets reached speeds of around 155 mph, showing that the concept is viable in real-world conditions.

A Potential Tool for Planetary Defence

Scaling these results to a larger scenario, a nuclear explosion a mile above a 2.5-mile-wide asteroid could generate enough force to prevent it from striking Earth. This strategy could be especially useful for deflecting massive asteroids that pose a global threat, like the one responsible for the dinosaurs’ extinction. Understanding how different asteroid materials react to X-rays is key for future missions to prevent catastrophic impacts on Earth.

In conclusion, this innovative approach offers a promising new method for planetary defence, with nuclear X-rays potentially safeguarding our planet from cosmic dangers.

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.


New Duck-Billed Dinosaur Species Discovered in Mexico, Here’s What You Need to Know



WhatsApp Expands Testing for ‘Read All’ Chats Feature on Latest Beta for Android Phones