Episode 1702 • • 1:47:59 - 1:52:17
1702: Sloppin' Hopper
Sandia National Laboratories, Asteroid Deflection, X-Rays
A report from Sandia National Laboratories suggests that a nuclear explosion near an asteroid could use X-rays to deflect the object off course. NPR's coverage of the study is mocked for its use of sound effects and a reference to Bruce Willis. The hosts question the scientific explanation of how X-rays, which lack mass, could provide the physical force necessary to move an asteroid.