In a significant scientific breakthrough, researchers in New Mexico have unveiled a novel approach to protecting Earth from potentially devastating asteroid impacts.
Scientists at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque have successfully demonstrated a method that uses X-ray bursts from nuclear explosions to deflect incoming asteroids, according to The Guardian.
Although most space debris burns up in Earth’s atmosphere, asteroid collisions remain a real threat, as evidenced by the catastrophic event that wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. The asteroid responsible for that extinction was about six miles wide, but even smaller asteroids could cause significant damage. To counter this, scientists are working on innovative solutions to safeguard the planet.
The revolutionary method involves using a nuclear explosion to generate an intense X-ray pulse, which vaporizes the surface of a nearby asteroid. The resulting gas expansion creates enough force to nudge the asteroid off its collision course with Earth. Researchers believe this approach could be effective for asteroids up to 2.5 miles wide, though larger asteroids might also be deflected with sufficient warning time.
In a study published in Nature Physics, Dr. Nathan Moore and his team explained that the process works by rapidly heating the asteroid's surface, causing it to vaporize and expand. This expansion generates a force that pushes the asteroid in the opposite direction. The technique is seen as a potential solution for larger asteroids, especially when time is limited.
Building on their early success, Moore’s team plans further experimental tests to improve the X-ray deflection method. Ultimately, they hope to conduct a space-based demonstration, similar to NASA’s DART mission, to test the technique on a real asteroid and strengthen Earth's planetary defense capabilities.