US On Nukes: We're Keeping Them To Blow Up Asteroids

The threat posed by asteroids is serious, and extensive research is taking place to prevent future catastrophes involving them. While scientists figure out how to best handle these celestial bodies, the US has decided to retain a backup plan...in the form of nuclear warheads.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the United States has decided to keep some of the nuclear warheads it had previously scheduled for disassembly. The reason, revealed by a Government Accountability Office report, is that they may prove useful for blowing up big asteroids destined to hit our planet.

Though the National Nuclear Security Administration has not commented on the matter, the report indicates that the components are being held on to until a "senior-level government evaluation" determines whether they have any value for "planetary defense".

None of this is to say that the government is expecting any giant asteroids to smash into our planet any time soon — it is expected we're free and clear for the next 100 years, at minimum. But still, such an impact would be devastating, and it is in important to consider all available options.

SOURCE: The Wall Street Journal