Scientists propose to deflect asteroids heading towards Earth using nuclear X-rays.

Scientists have discovered that nuclear explosions could help protect Earth from asteroid impacts — not by destroying asteroids — but by using X-rays to deflect them from their path. A new study from Sandia National Laboratories suggests that detonating a nuclear weapon near an asteroid could generate X-rays strong enough to vaporize part of its surface, creating a force that could affect 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 that of a nuclear explosion, researchers were able to simulate the conditions an asteroid would experience. The experiment successfully demonstrated how these intense X-rays could vaporize surface material on the asteroid, pushing it in a new direction.

Simulation of asteroid deflection in the laboratory

For their experiments, the researchers used quartz and silica targets, materials commonly found in asteroids. They suspended the targets in a vacuum and exposed them to powerful X-rays, which created a plume of vapor 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 about 155 mph, demonstrating that the concept is viable in real-world conditions.

A potential tool for planetary defense

If we scale 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 hitting Earth. This strategy could be especially useful for deflecting massive asteroids that pose a global threat, such as the one responsible for the extinction of the dinosaurs. Understanding how different asteroid materials respond to X-rays is essential for future missions to prevent catastrophic impacts on Earth.

In conclusion, this innovative approach offers a promising new method for planetary defense, where nuclear X-rays could potentially protect our planet from cosmic hazards.