NASA is reportedly considering the use of nuclear weapons to counter the potential threat posed by asteroid 2024 YR4, a space rock discovered in December last year.
The asteroid, measuring between 53 and 67 meters in diameter, initially raised global alarm after early calculations suggested a three per cent chance of colliding with Earth in 2032.
While later observations ruled out a direct hit, scientists warn the asteroid could impact the Moon.
Such a strike could unleash lunar “ejecta” – dust and small rock fragments blasted off the surface – which might scatter as micrometeoroids in low-Earth orbit. This debris could pose significant risks to satellites, spacecraft, and even astronauts.
NASA is exploring two strategies: deflection or outright destruction.
A DART-style diversion mission was deemed impractical due to uncertainties in the asteroid’s mass.
Instead, scientists are weighing the use of two 100-kiloton nuclear bombs – five to eight times stronger than those dropped on Japan in World War II. A second bomb would serve as backup.
Experts note that a single 1-megaton detonation could obliterate 2024 YR4. While nuclear devices have been tested in space before, none has ever been deployed against an asteroid.
