What happens if we nuke 3I/ATLAS? Why scientists say deflection, not destruction, is the key to safely steering comets away from Earth

Nuking 3I/ATLAS if it changes path: Interstellar visitor 3I/ATLAS is passing Earth. Scientists have studied using nuclear explosions to deflect comets. The goal is not to destroy but to vaporize surface material. This process, called ablation, imparts momentum. It pushes the object off its path. This prevents a catastrophic impact. Nuclear devices are efficient for this task.