Why does the bomb have to be set 800 feet deep inside the asteroid?

Armageddon (1998)

At 0:46:40

Verdict: Guilty. 62% of viewers say this is dumb. Top defense: The film says the bomb must split the asteroid from the inside, so the crew has to go deep.

Guilty
62% dumb38% explained

780 votes

Dumbness rating

7.0/ 10(780 ratings)
Broken science

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Rating distribution

What happens in this scene

NASA's plan is to drill 800 feet into the asteroid to set a nuclear bomb at its center. The film says an explosion on the surface would not split it. Real asteroid-defense plans focus on pushing the object off course.

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Reviews 3

dr_halloranVerified expert: Emergency medicineSupporter6/10AI rewriteAug 25, 2026

Says explained

It is a movie. The film states its rules and follows them. A drilled hole of 800 feet is a clear and easily shown goal.

quietcutFounding Critic #12Supporter7/10Jul 6, 2026

Says dumb

The plan is a good drama. As science it is silly, and the film does not nod to that.

rocketry_rob8/10Oct 24, 2026

Says dumb

Splitting a body that large in two so cleanly would take far more energy than a single bomb. Moving it a long time earlier would be a better plan, and the film knows it.

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Actually, it’s explained

Top defense
The film says the bomb must split the asteroid from the inside, so the crew has to go deep.
  • DumbScenesStaff9 months ago

    The film says the bomb must split the asteroid from the inside, so the crew has to go deep.

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Quick Fix

Fixes are written by people. The smallest change, in 200 characters or fewer, that would have fixed the scene. AI is used only for duplicate detection, length and moderation.

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Use a series of small charges to push the asteroid off course. No deep drill needed, but the crew still has to place them.

Would this fix it?
78% say yes
rocketry_rob1 month ago

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Also asked as

  • Would a bomb inside an asteroid work?
  • Is the asteroid plan in Armageddon realistic?