Could scenarios from science fiction films become reality? A new collision simulation shows that directing an asteroid heading towards Earth with a nuclear option may be the last resort to prevent the apocalypse.
Elchi.az reports that a study conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford and the nuclear redirection initiative OuSoCo revealed that, contrary to popular belief, space rocks become even stronger under intense stress.
The most surprising finding of the study is that instead of breaking the asteroid apart and raining a “stone rain” on Earth, a nuclear explosion can keep the celestial body in one piece and change its direction.
Asteroids become stronger as they are hit
Experiments on samples taken from the Campo del Cielo iron meteorite measured the material’s reaction to radiation and high energy.
The following data were obtained as a result of tests using a particle accelerator at CERN:
Increased Durability: The meteorite sample showed that the material’s resistance increased 2.5 times when exposed to strong impact. Dependence on Tension Speed: It was found that the stronger the impact, the more effectively the rock dissipates (extinguishes) energy. Structural Adaptation: The sample bombarded with high-energy proton beams initially bent, then surprisingly re-hardened and retained its structure.
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