Asteroid 2024 YR4 has been in the spotlight lately. Discovered in December, it initially worried scientists because of its potential to hit Earth on December 22, 2032. Thankfully, the latest data shows it won’t be a threat to our planet. However, its path suggests it could collide with the Moon. The chance of that happening has gone from 0.5% to 3.8%, making it a more likely target.
Dr. Andrew Rivkin, a planetary scientist at Johns Hopkins University, explained, “Initially, the odds of hitting the Moon were low because the Earth was the bigger target. As the orbit changed, it moved away from us but closer to the Moon.” He adds that while there’s a solid chance it will miss the Moon, a collision would still be “pretty spectacular.”
To learn more about 2024 YR4, Rivkin’s team used the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). This powerful infrared telescope is a collaboration between NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Canadian Space Agency. Their observations revealed that the asteroid is between 53 and 67 meters (about 174 to 220 feet) wide and spins rapidly, completing one rotation in under 20 minutes.
Even if it doesn’t hit Earth, studying asteroids like YR4 is crucial. Understanding their characteristics helps scientists prepare for any future threats. If it does strike the Moon, we could see a new crater about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) wide. This would create a flash visible from regions like the Americas and Pacific. It might also send new lunar meteorites to Earth—nothing harmful, of course.
Richard Moissl, head of ESA’s Planetary Defence Office, noted the potential scientific value of such an impact. He said, “A new observable moon crater would definitely be the outcome!” Experts believe the impact could yield valuable data about the Moon’s interior, especially if seismometers were placed nearby.
Looking forward, more observations of 2024 YR4 are planned for late April or early May. This will help scientists fine-tune their understanding of its orbit and size. Rivkin emphasized the success of current detection methods, saying, “This shows we have a process that works. If we had found a real threat, we could have acted on it.”
In recent years, scientists have successfully identified and tracked several small asteroids before they approached Earth, with none posing any risk. The notable NASA DART mission proved we have the capability to deflect asteroids, which was a significant milestone for planetary defense.
As we continue to monitor asteroid 2024 YR4, it serves as a reminder of how prepared we are to face potential space threats. The story of YR4 emphasizes not just the technology we have developed but also our commitment to protecting our planet and understanding the cosmos.
Check out this related article: Uncovering the Unexpected: What an 80-Million-Year-Old Fossil Site Teaches Us About Dinosaur Behavior
Source link