NASA asteroid SHOCK: Why 'NUCLEAR OPTION' may be used on Earth-bound rock – 'last resort'

Apophis 99942 is a 370-metre-wide near-Earth orbit space rock that continues to pose a destructive threat. Initial observations from the space agency in 2004 revealed a probability of 2.7 percent that it could strike Earth in 2029. Additional observations later ruled this date out, claiming it would pass through a gravitational keyhole setting up a future impact in 2036.  

Amazon Prime’s series “Spacefiles” revealed how there are a number of ways NASA will be able to deal with the space rock.

The 2004 programme detailed: “There is one [Apophis] that does threaten the Earth. 

“But if we are vigilant, we may have time to deal with it.

“One idea is a curved reflector – we could focus the rays of the sun on a small spot and drive the asteroid from harm’s way. 

“Another approach could be a little rocket driver attached to the asteroid and moving it to a safer orbit.”

However, the series went on to detail another chilling option.

It explained: “But if time is really short and we could be hit within days, there is the nuclear option. 

“A warhead could blast the asteroid [away from Earth].

“Trouble is, we might then have a shower of fragments heading out way.

“But a better option may be to aim the warhead at the side of the asteroid for a standoff detonation. 

“If the calculations are right, the projectile will be shunted from its collision course.”

By late 2008, the probability that Apophis would pass through the gravitational keyhole was determined to be very small, ruling out an impact in 2036. 

However, the threat is not completely eliminated. 

NASA later admitted on February 21, 2013, there is a 150,000/1 chance of a direct impact with Earth in 2068.

They also revealed on April 13, 2029, that Apophis will pass Earth within the orbits of geosynchronous communication satellites.

It will come as close as 19,400 miles above the Earth’s surface, making the pass much closer than first predicted.

The pass in late March 2036 will be no closer than about 15 million miles and will most likely miss Earth by about 34 million miles.

On average, one asteroid the size of Apophis can be expected to impact Earth about every 80,000 years.

source: express.co.uk