Why would one bomb split the asteroid evenly so both halves miss Earth?

Armageddon (1998)

At 2:25:00

Verdict: Guilty. 75% of viewers say this is dumb. Top defense: The film simplifies the physics so the bomb's success is easy to understand.

Guilty
75% dumb25% explained

870 votes

Dumbness rating

7.3/ 10(870 ratings)
Broken science

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Rating distribution

What happens in this scene

The plan is that the bomb will split the asteroid in two, and the halves will pass on either side of Earth. The film shows the split as a clean cut. Real asteroid fragments would continue moving close together.

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Reviews 3

dr_halloranVerified expert: Emergency medicineSupporter6/10AI rewriteAug 5, 2026

Says explained

The film draws a diagram of the plan, and then follows it. If you accept the premise it works.

rocketry_rob8/10Oct 14, 2026

Says dumb

Fragments of a split asteroid would keep most of their speed and direction, and many would still hit Earth. The film's clean split does not reflect that.

late_to_credits7/10Jun 21, 2026

Says dumb

It is a simple concept but not an accurate one. A line from a scientist about the risk would have made it feel less like a cheat.

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Actually, it’s explained

Top defense
The film simplifies the physics so the bomb's success is easy to understand.
  • DumbScenesStaff7 months ago

    The film simplifies the physics so the bomb's success is easy to understand.

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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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Truman says the halves will still be dangerous, but small enough for defense systems to handle. The film shows that after the split.

Would this fix it?
77% say yes
rocketry_rob2 months ago

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Also asked as

  • Would the asteroid pieces really miss Earth?
  • Is the split in Armageddon realistic?