I have been curious what would happen if a nuclear bomb were detonated in outer space or if it would even be possible. thanks
2006-11-24 22:49:06 · 13 answers · asked by downeyoch 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
As a matter of fact, nuclear explosions occur in space all the time, the sun and billions of other stars in the universe are fuelled by the nuclear fusion of hydrogen atoms into helium as we speak. The light we see from the sun and stars are a result of this nuclear fusion. So the energy from a man made nuclear bomb would be neglitable
2006-11-24 23:19:42 · answer #1 · answered by sm3gol 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is nothing in a nuclear weapon to make a beam. The radiation is basically going to spread out from a point following the usual inverse-square law. There's an expanding cloud of hot gas and plasma too following behind the electromagnetic radiation and energetic particles which should pretty much expand isotropically. Regular supernovae do not emit gamma ray bursts as I recall. To get a beam like from a pulsar takes huge magnetic fields and a spinning object I believe.
2016-05-23 00:11:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is very much possible to detonate a nuclear bomb in outer space as it does'nt require any external fuel. If it were to be exploded it would release some amount of radioactive waves in space in all directions.
2006-11-24 23:09:21 · answer #3 · answered by Adithya M 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Our wonderful government has detonated nuclear weapons in space, not deep space, but near earth orbit. Even so, no long lasting effects were noted. Of course they only set off a few......
2006-11-25 10:59:11 · answer #4 · answered by ZeedoT 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Explosive devices of all kinds depend of only one thing to do their destructive work. Air or some other form of material to spread out. With the exception of anti personnel devices (which rely on BBs or other metal items) most bombs use air to destroy thing. When an atomic device goes off, it moves air greatly and rapidly. The displacement of air shoot away from the center and then rushing back in is what forms the mushroom cloud.
Outside of radioactivity being scatterd, nothing would happen in space. No air, no "bang" no destruction.
2006-11-24 23:41:34 · answer #5 · answered by orion_1812@yahoo.com 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It's definitely possible. I massive burst of radioactivity would emanate from the explosion in all directions. However, there would be very little shockwave, since there's no air to push around. Ultimately, it would be a lot less devastating than one going off on the earth's surface.
2006-11-24 22:51:15 · answer #6 · answered by jsprplc2006 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes but if you were in space with it you wouldnt hear it just see it. since there is no atmosphere for the sound to travel through. you would see a flash of light & an orb of energy expanding. since there is no gravity in empty spave the explosiuon woulkd probably be in a round ball since this is the most efficient way.
2006-11-25 00:40:52 · answer #7 · answered by seamonkey_has_da_loot 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's possible because it doesn't require O2 to detonate but nothing happens. Kind of like throwing a firecracker out of a plane. little bang, no damage
2006-11-24 22:51:05 · answer #8 · answered by m-t-nest 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It has already Been done . They shot off a deep space weapons and it scorched several satellite we had up there.
2006-11-25 02:34:17 · answer #9 · answered by JOHNNIE B 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i dont know really what happens if a nuclear bomb puts off in deep space. but it's my imagination tht if it would be happen might there will be a black holl in space
2006-11-24 23:00:20 · answer #10 · answered by indi-baby 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋