Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleIllustration of the giant asteroid collision in outer space (Don Davis, Southwest Research Institute via Eurekalert)Chinese scientists claim to have identified the most effective method to bury and detonate a nuclear device inside a large asteroid, aiming to prevent a potentially catastrophic collision with Earth. This approach is deemed crucial for dealing with large space rocks or asteroids with short warning times, where other deflection methods, such as Nasa’s Dart mission, may not be effective. The proposed method involves a spacecraft releasing a penetration device to excavate a deep crater on the asteroid, into which a nuclear device is then guided for detonation. Simulations indicated that an explosion equivalent to 200 Hiroshima bombs could completely destroy an asteroid approximately 100 metres across, with burying the bomb 30 metres deep tripling its effectiveness. The research provides a vital foundation for planning and designing defences against large or short-warning-time asteroids, suggesting nuclear blasts could be the most effective means of protection. In fullChinese scientists reveal most effective way to destroy doomsday asteroidMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Scientists find most efficient way to destroy a doomsday asteroid
Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleIllustration of the giant asteroid collision in outer space (Don Davis, Southwest Research Institute via Eurekalert)Chinese scientists claim to have identified the most effective method to bury and detonate a nuclear device inside a large asteroid, aiming to prevent a potentially catastrophic collision with Earth. This approach is deemed crucial for dealing with large space rocks or asteroids with short warning times, where other deflection methods, such as Nasa’s Dart mission, may not be effective. The proposed method involves a spacecraft releasing a penetration device to excavate a deep crater on the asteroid, into which a nuclear device is then guided for detonation. Simulations indicated that an explosion equivalent to 200 Hiroshima bombs could completely destroy an asteroid approximately 100 metres across, with burying the bomb 30 metres deep tripling its effectiveness. The research provides a vital foundation for planning and designing defences against large or short-warning-time asteroids, suggesting nuclear blasts could be the most effective means of protection. In fullChinese scientists reveal most effective way to destroy doomsday asteroidMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
