US scientists have shown that X-rays can deflect potentially dangerous asteroids from Earth. The technique involves using a powerful X-ray pulse to vaporize part of the asteroid’s surface, creating a vapor plume that alters its speed. Led by Nathan Moore at Sandia National Laboratories, the team tested this on dummy asteroids, achieving a speed change of 70 meters per second. The method could deflect asteroids up to four kilometers wide. This approach offers a quicker, cost-effective alternative to missions like NASA’s DART. Future experiments will explore different materials and X-ray pulses.