NASA is actively researching methods to neutralize potential asteroid threats to Earth, despite the current low risks.

While the DART mission successfully demonstrated that altering an asteroid's trajectory is possible through direct impact, its method may be limited for larger asteroids and requires advance notice of an impending threat.

Planetary defense experts are exploring various methods to deflect asteroids, including the potential use of nuclear devices for larger threats.

Researchers are investigating the use of nuclear explosions near asteroids to generate powerful X-rays that could vaporize the asteroid's material, providing thrust to redirect it.

Recent studies suggest that X-ray emissions from a nuclear blast could potentially protect against asteroids up to 4 kilometers wide, contingent on sufficient early detection.

Simulations led by physicist Nathan Moore indicate that a nuclear explosion could deflect an incoming asteroid by vaporizing its surface and creating thrust from the resulting vapor.

The Z Machine, the world's most powerful X-ray generator, is being utilized to simulate the effects of a nuclear explosion on a smaller scale.

In experiments, a mock asteroid was suspended in the Z Machine's chamber and subjected to a burst of X-rays, creating a small rocket plume that pushed the asteroid away.

Asteroids larger than 460 feet in diameter pose a significant threat, occurring every 10,000 to 20,000 years, while 'dinosaur-killing' impacts happen on 100-million-year timescales.

This research is crucial as it simulates the conditions of an actual asteroid in space, which is not tethered like the mock version used in experiments.

Challenges remain in locating asteroids due to their dark appearances against the vastness of space, emphasizing the need for advanced detection methods.

NASA has identified about 90% of large near-Earth asteroids, but smaller, unforeseen asteroids can still pose risks, as demonstrated by past events.