The experiment recorded in nanosecond detail how a very large pulse of radiation from a nuclear blast could essentially vaporise the side of an approaching asteroid, and change its trajectory.

Lab-based proof-of-concept shows how radiation creates explosive plumes to deflect menacing space rocks

Scientists have demonstrated the simulation of asteroid deflection with an X-ray pulse from dense argon plasma generated at the Z machine, a pulsed power device at Sandia National Laboratories.

Scientists in New Mexico conducted several experiments and learned that asteroids can be deflected from Earth using explosions of nuclear warheads above the space rock's surface.

Scientists noted that the nuclear option is for larger asteroids, particularly when time is short.

In New Mexico, scientists are exploring a futuristic solution to defend Earth against asteroid threats: harnessing X-ray blasts from nuclear explosions.

Asteroids can devastate the planet in an instant – just ask the dinosaurs. Scientists at Sandia National Laboratories have now demonstrated a proof of concept method to deflect a potential Earthbound asteroid using a blast of X-rays.