If we identified a large object on a collision course with Earth,what would be the best approach to minimize the hazard,given today's technology?
A) Evacuate the area where the object is expected to hit.
B) Blow the object apart with nuclear weapons before it impacts Earth.
C) Blow the object apart with conventional weapons before it impacts Earth.
D) Attempt to deflect the object onto a different orbital path.
E) Do nothing, since we have no appropriate technology at this time.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Attempting to deflect the object onto a different orbital path would be the best approach to minimize the hazard. This can be done using a kinetic impactor, which is essentially a spacecraft that collides with the object, changing its trajectory. NASA already has plans in place to test this technique with the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission, scheduled to launch in 2021. Blowing the object apart with weapons can create additional debris that could still pose a threat to Earth, and evacuation may not be possible or practical for large areas. Doing nothing is not an option since the potential danger is too great.

If We Identified a Large Object on a Collision Course