Story perspectives

Asteroids Strengthen After Impact, Challenging Deflection Models

2/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers from the University of Oxford and OuSoCo report that asteroids withstand more stress than thought and may strengthen after impact.
Using techniques at CERN, they observed a meteorite deforming and re-strengthening under extreme conditions.
The study shows asteroid properties evolve in real time, challenging deflection models.
Future work will test various asteroid compositions.
If nuclear deflection is needed, it may rely on a standoff detonation rather than direct contact.

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Story summary

Researchers from the University of Oxford and OuSoCo report that asteroids withstand more stress than thought and may strengthen after impact.
Using techniques at CERN, they observed a meteorite deforming and re-strengthening under extreme conditions.
The study shows asteroid properties evolve in real time, challenging deflection models.
Future work will test various asteroid compositions.
If nuclear deflection is needed, it may rely on a standoff detonation rather than direct contact.