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Scientists Propose Nuclear Solution to Deflect Asteroids

2/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers from the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the University of Oxford studied using nuclear warheads to deflect asteroids, and published their findings in Nature Communications.
They found metal-rich asteroids can withstand significant stress without shattering, implying larger devices could deflect them without catastrophic fragmentation.
The team stressed emergency options for large asteroids as NASA and the European Space Agency plan to study Apophis, which will approach Earth in April 2029.

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Story summary

Researchers from the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and the University of Oxford studied using nuclear warheads to deflect asteroids, and published their findings in Nature Communications.
They found metal-rich asteroids can withstand significant stress without shattering, implying larger devices could deflect them without catastrophic fragmentation.
The team stressed emergency options for large asteroids as NASA and the European Space Agency plan to study Apophis, which will approach Earth in April 2029.