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Deflection and fragmentation of near-Earth asteroids

Nature volume 360, pages 429–433 (1992)Cite this article

Abstract

The collision with Earth of near-Earth asteroids or comet nuclei poses a potential threat to mankind. Objects about 100 m in diameter could be diverted from an Earth-crossing trajectory by the impact of a rocket-launched mass, but for larger bodies nuclear explosions seem to be the only practical means of deflection. Fragmentation of the body by nuclear charges is less efficient or secure.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lindhurst Laboratory of Experimental Geophysics, Seismological Laboratory 252-21, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, 91125, USA

    Thomas J. Ahrens

  2. Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, California, 91109, USA

    Alan W. Harris

Authors
  1. Thomas J. Ahrens
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  2. Alan W. Harris
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Ahrens, T., Harris, A. Deflection and fragmentation of near-Earth asteroids. Nature 360, 429–433 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1038/360429a0

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