Nuking an asteroid on short notice could save us
Researchers are modeling the use of nuclear detonations as a last-resort defense strategy to deflect near-Earth asteroids that could threaten the planet. The study highlights the urgent need for better detection systems, as many hazardous asteroids remain undiscovered until they are dangerously close.
Why it matters
Developing planetary defense capabilities is essential for mitigating the risk of catastrophic asteroid impacts that could cause global devastation.
edited by Swati Mestri , reviewed by Andrew Zinin
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Add as preferred source Artist's concept of the DART satellite. Credit - NASA / JHU APL Readers of a certain age will remember a golden era of asteroid films, capped by two with very different endings. "Deep Impact" drove home the devastating consequences of letting a large piece of rock hit our planet, whereas "Armageddon," though arguably the kitschier of the two films, was an uplifting story about technical ingenuity and sacrifice.
Now, the central premise of that movie's storyline—essentially blasting an asteroid with a nuclear detonation—is taking center stage as our last line of defense against a potential "Deep Impact" scenario.
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