))
Asteroid Deflection via Nuclear Blasts and Sandia National Labs
Manage episode 454817732 series 3561088
Content provided by SETI Institute. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by SETI Institute or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
Imagine that scene from every apocalyptic asteroid movie—you know the one. The scientist comes rushing in because a "new" asteroid has been detected and is on a collision course with Earth. What happens next? The answer depends on several factors: how big is the asteroid, what is it made of, and how soon is the impact? (That's simplified but roll with it.) NASA's DART mission showed that an impactor can change the orbit of an asteroid, but that tested the hypothesis on the tiny moon of a small asteroid. What if the asteroid is much larger? Scientists at Sandia National Laboratories in New Mexico may have an answer -- a controlled nuclear blast that deflects (rather than destroys) the asteroid. Join planetary scientist Beth Johnson and lead author Nathan Moore for an exciting—and probably terrifying—conversation about how to keep our advanced civilization alive. (Recorded live 5 December 2024.)
103 episodes
Share
