NASA Considers Nuclear Bomb to Destroy Asteroid on Collision Course with Moon

NASA is contemplating utilizing a nuclear bomb to intercept an asteroid approaching the Moon’s orbit. The asteroid, named 2024 YR4 and found in December 2024, has shortly change into the main target of the worldwide house group. Scientists are exploring the best way to neutralize this potential house menace, and a few proposals embody a nuclear intervention plan paying homage to science fiction movies.

When it was first found, the likelihood of 2024 YR4 hitting Earth on December 22, 2032, was over one %. With a diameter between 53–67 meters, the asteroid may have brought about devastation just like the 1908 Tunguska occasion if it had impacted. Current observations have proven {that a} collision with Earth is unlikely, however there may be nonetheless a danger of it hitting the lunar floor in 2032.

Scientists emphasize that the likelihood of a lunar affect is 4 %, and whereas this will likely appear low, the ensuing particles clouds may harm satellites in low Earth orbit. To scale back the affect danger to zero, three strategies are being thought of. The primary is additional exploration, the second is orbital deflection, and the final is full destruction.

The Nuclear Choice is on the Desk

In line with a brand new research, theoretical missions may very well be launched at completely different instances sooner or later. The quantity of planning and sources required for 2024 YR4 is acknowledged to be better than that of the DART mission, which efficiently altered an asteroid’s orbit prior to now. Scientists say {that a} DART-like deflection mission for 2024 YR4 was thought of, however this technique is deemed inadequate because of uncertainties within the asteroid’s dimension and mass.

In distinction, the proposal to destroy the asteroid with nuclear explosive gadgets is being significantly examined. Researchers are planning to ship two nuclear gadgets, every with a 100-kiloton yield. These bombs can be 5 to eight instances extra highly effective than these dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in World Struggle II. Using two gadgets is a precaution in case the primary one fails or doesn’t attain the goal. Whereas the earliest potential launch window for the nuclear choice is projected to be between 2029–2031, it’s famous that the plans may change considerably within the coming years.

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