Study Explores Possibility of Nuclear Devices to Deflect Asteroids from Earth
By David Propper
Published Dec. 24, 2023, 9:33 p.m. ET
In a plot straight out of a sci-fi disaster movie, scientists are investigating the potential of using nuclear devices to save Earth from catastrophic asteroid impacts.
A study released this month examined the possibility of shooting a nuclear device “millions of miles” into space to prevent an asteroid from colliding with the planet. Researchers at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) developed a modeling tool to assess this possibility following the success of NASA’s 2022 mission that redirected a giant space rock.
The new tool, detailed in the Planetary Science Journal, seeks to understand if a nuclear option could be viable after NASA deployed a kinetic impactor to alter the trajectory of an asteroid during the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission.
Lead physicist Mary Burkey of LLNL stated, “If we have enough warning time, we could potentially launch a nuclear device, sending it millions of miles away to an asteroid that is headed toward Earth.” The study suggests that nuclear devices have a higher energy density per unit compared to kinetic impactors, making them a potentially more effective method against asteroids.
The LLNL’s sophisticated multiphysics simulations cover various factors to determine the success of a nuclear deflection mission. According to Burkey, the detonation of the device could either deflect the asteroid away from Earth or disrupt it into smaller, harmless fragments.
Megan Bruck Syal, LLNL’s planetary defense project lead, noted that the modeling would help decision-makers determine how to proceed in the event of a real-life asteroid threat. While the probability of a large asteroid impact in our lifetime is low, the potential consequences could be devastating, she added.
However, there are risks associated with using nuclear devices to divert asteroids. Pieces from the blown-up asteroid could still pose a threat to Earth, as warned by asteroid expert Dr. Patrick Michel.
The study presents an intriguing possibility for planetary defense but also highlights the complexity and risks associated with such interventions. As researchers continue to explore innovative solutions, the question of how to protect Earth from potential asteroid impacts remains a critical area of study.