If the asteroid is sufficiently far away, it won't really matter if it splits into little bits or not. The fragments resulting from an asteroid that splits due to a violent impact are not going to remain on the exact same trajectory as the original asteroid. A slight deviation of trajectory far enough away results in a big miss back here at home.
In fact, if it's far enough away, you don't even need explosives. You could continually accelerate (via ion engine) a moderately sized projectile directly into the asteroid. The velocity would make up for lack of mass and should pulverize the asteroid. Resulting fragments would not be able to continue on the same trajectory due to the head on impact.
Again, all this depends on the distance.
Slashdot Mirror
If the asteroid is sufficiently far away, it won't really matter if it splits into little bits or not. The fragments resulting from an asteroid that splits due to a violent impact are not going to remain on the exact same trajectory as the original asteroid. A slight deviation of trajectory far enough away results in a big miss back here at home. In fact, if it's far enough away, you don't even need explosives. You could continually accelerate (via ion engine) a moderately sized projectile directly into the asteroid. The velocity would make up for lack of mass and should pulverize the asteroid. Resulting fragments would not be able to continue on the same trajectory due to the head on impact. Again, all this depends on the distance.
Actually, they are "varmints!"
Maybe the Reverend should threaten to excommunicate them?
This is the last sentence in the C&D letter she sends:
Your anticipated cooperation is anticipated.
Must've originated in their Department of Redundancy Department...