X-rays from Nuclear Blasts Could Help Defend Earth from Asteroids

Scientists propose using X-rays to deflect asteroids approaching Earth. This method could redirect space rocks without any spacecraft making contact, writes Science News.

Mechanism of Deflection

Research published in Nature Physics on September 23 outlines this innovative approach. During experiments, researchers heated free-falling models of asteroids with X-ray radiation. This heating generated vapor plumes, which effectively pushed the faux asteroids off course. Computer simulations showed that X-rays from a distant nuclear explosion could potentially alter the trajectory of asteroids up to the length of the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

According to physicist Nathan Moore from Sandia National Laboratories, "There’s only one method that has been proposed that has enough energy to deflect the most threatening asteroids." He emphasizes this method's importance, especially for identifying near-Earth threats on short warning time frames, potentially as brief as a year.

Safe Implementation

Scientists suggest that these blasts would occur at safe distances from Earth. Two years ago, NASA's deliberate impact on asteroid Dimorphos significantly changed its orbit, which highlighted the viability of planetary defense. However, this method requires ample time and works best with smaller asteroids.

Thus, Moore and his team focused on exploring X-ray deflection capabilities. In their experiment, a vacuum chamber contained a simulated asteroid the size of a blueberry, composed of quartz, a common asteroid element. Using a powerful X-ray generator, they blasted this mock asteroid for 6.6 nanoseconds, vaporizing supports and causing the quartz to begin free fall.

As a result, the surface of the quartz heated and vaporized, generating a gas plume. The increasing plume exerted force on the quartz akin to rocket propulsion, allowing it to move away from the X-ray source at approximately 250 kilometers per hour. Tests marginalized with fused silica yielded comparable results.

Future Research Directions

To determine the action’s feasibility for planetary defense, experimental outcomes were integrated into computer models. The team found that X-rays emitted from a nuclear blast a few kilometers away could successfully impact an asteroid composed similarly, allowing for deflection of rocks up to 4 kilometers wide.

Further investigations are planned to include additional mineral compositions. "Asteroids come in many flavors, made of different kinds of minerals," Moore mentions, indicating that the current research represents only the initial stage of exploring this promising method for asteroid deflection.

Earlier, SSP reported that scientists discover a fascinating third state of life beyond death.