Nuclear X-Rays Shown to Deflect Asteroids

Recent experiments have demonstrated that detonating a nuclear explosion near an asteroid could effectively deflect it from a collision course with Earth. Instead of relying on the blast wave, the X-rays generated by the explosion vaporize part of the asteroid's surface, creating a force that alters its trajectory. This approach has been shown to deflect asteroids up to 4 kilometers in diameter, offering a promising method for planetary defense. The experiments used Sandia National Laboratories' Z machine to simulate the effects, revealing that an X-ray pulse can propel mock asteroids made of quartz and silica. This technique provides an alternative to methods like NASA's DART mission, which used kinetic impact to change an asteroid's path. The findings underscore the need for further research and a multifaceted strategy to protect Earth from potential asteroid impacts.