Simulations test nuclear options for deflecting or breaking up asteroids
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory researchers created 3D simulations of using a nuclear device to deflect or fragment an asteroid headed for Earth. Their Spheral code modeled X-rays heating and vaporizing surface material, and two scenarios produced strong disruption. The study, published in The Planetary Science Journal, examines a possible emergency option for large asteroids or short warning times.
[paragraph] Need maybe no markdown? Plain text. We can include blank line between paragraphs? It says two labeled sections exactly this format. We can do. Need ensure EXPANDED has 2 short paragraphs under 120 words total. We have 104. Good. CONTEXT under 90. Good. Potential issue: "The paper, in The Planetary Science Journal, also notes NASA’s 2022 DART test..." The source says work published recently in The Planetary Science Journal. It mentions DART demonstrated kinetic-impact approach in 2022. Good. Potential issue: "nuclear response to an asteroid threat" maybe okay. "nuclear device" not mentioned? We say nuclear response. Fine. Potential issue: "over 1,500 one-dimensional calculations" source says compared more than 1,500 one-dimensional Spheral simulations with asteroid deflection results from Ares. We say compared Spheral with over 1,500 one-dimensional calculations and Ares code; results lined up well. Slight inaccuracy: compared 1,500 1D Spheral simulations with Ares resu