NASA is seriously considering a plan to use a nuclear bomb to neutralize asteroid 2024 YR4, which is approaching lunar orbit. Discovered in December 2024, this celestial body has become a focal point for the international space community. Scientists estimate the asteroid’s probability of impacting the Moon to be four percent and are studying the potential dangers of this possibility.
NASA Could Make a First
When asteroid 2024 YR4 was first discovered, it had a greater than one percent chance of impacting Earth on December 22, 2032. Estimated to be between 53 and 67 meters in diameter, if it had hit Earth, it could have caused devastation similar to the Tunguska disaster of 1908.
Recent observations have shown that a collision with Earth is no longer likely. However, scientists emphasize that there is still a risk of a collision with the Moon in 2032. While this probability appears low, the debris clouds that would result from such a collision could damage satellites in low Earth orbit.
Experts are considering three primary methods to completely eliminate the risk of impact: further exploration, orbital deflection, and, finally, complete destruction. A new study has revealed that theoretical missions could be launched at different times in the future.
A DART-like deflection mission is being considered for 2024 YR4, which would require more planning and resources than the DART mission, which successfully rerouted the asteroid. However, this method is said to be insufficient due to uncertainty regarding the object’s size and mass.
In contrast, the proposal to completely destroy the asteroid with nuclear explosive devices remains a serious option. Researchers plan to deploy two nuclear devices, each weighing 100 kilotons.
These bombs would be five to eight times more powerful than the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. The use of two devices is considered a precaution against possible malfunction or failure to reach the target.
