Scientists Propose Using Nuclear Weapons to Destroy a Meteor Threatening Satellites
NASA scientists are seriously discussing the possibility of using nuclear strikes against the asteroid 2024 YR4 to eliminate its threat to satellites and communication systems.
Scientists estimate that there is about a 4% chance this asteroid will collide with the Moon in 2032. If the collision occurs, it could throw a large amount of dust and debris into space, which could very likely cause satellites to fail and severely disrupt communication systems on Earth.
Currently, scientists are considering two plans to deal with this asteroid: this method is safer for the Moon, but it carries a huge risk — accidentally redirecting the asteroid toward Earth. Using a nuclear weapon with a yield of approximately 1 megaton to destroy it when it approaches.
What do you think? Is using nuclear weapons the ultimate measure that humans should take when facing such a space threat? How should the risk trade-offs between the two plans be considered?
Original article: www.toutiao.com/article/1844380719494148/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author.