logo
welcome
Live Science

Live Science

Nuking an asteroid could save Earth from destruction, researchers show in 1st-of-its-kind X-ray experiment

Live Science
Summary
Nutrition label

74% Informative

First -of-its-kind lab study shows that a nuclear bomb could deflect an asteroid.

Sandia National Laboratory's Z machine produces a powerful burst of X-rays from a nuclear blast.

Previous simulations have shown that the shockwave made by a bomb could provide enough force to successfully deflect an oncoming asteroid.

Space agencies around the world are already working on possible ways to deflect asteroids.