Asteroid Set to Skirt Earth—Will It Strike the Moon Instead? What You Need to Know!

Earth has narrowly avoided a close call, but the Moon might not be as fortunate. Scientists have been keeping a close eye on a massive asteroid named “2024 YR4.” When it was first discovered, there was a small chance it might hit Earth in December 2032. However, more recent observations suggest that Earth is safe. The asteroid now has a 4.3% chance of colliding with the Moon instead.

A Brief History

Asteroid 2024 YR4 was first spotted in December 2024. At that time, it had an impact probability as high as 3%. Even though it’s far away and appears as a faint dot, its size is estimated to be around 200 feet—about the height of a 10-story building. It’s dubbed a “near-Earth asteroid,” meaning it orbits close to our planet. Given its size, it’s sometimes called a “city killer” because of the potential damage it could cause.

The name 2024 YR4 is temporary. The team that discovered it will suggest a permanent name, but it could take months or even years for the International Astronomical Union to approve it.

What If It Hits the Moon?

If 2024 YR4 collides with the Moon, it could strike at tens of thousands of miles per hour. This would create a large crater, and some debris could be ejected into space. While Earth would likely remain safe, that debris could pose risks to nearby astronauts and satellites crucial for GPS and communication.

Interestingly, the International Space Station will be decommissioned a year before the asteroid’s potential impact, reducing the risk to it.

Viewing the Collision

Experts suggest that if the asteroid hits the near side of the Moon— the side facing us—we might see the event from Earth. Dr. Paul Wiegert, a physics and astronomy professor at Western University, states that such a collision would be the biggest the Moon has experienced in about 5,000 years. He adds that observers with small telescopes or binoculars should be able to witness the impact.

Moreover, should any moon rock be blown into space, we might enjoy a spectacular meteor shower shortly after.

Looking Ahead

Currently, 2024 YR4 is too distant for telescopes to detect. However, NASA plans to gather more data when it returns to the vicinity of Earth in 2028. Ongoing observations will help sharpen our understanding of this asteroid’s trajectory.

In a world increasingly focused on space exploration and finding ways to protect Earth from celestial threats, understanding asteroids like 2024 YR4 holds vital importance. According to a study by the Planetary Science Institute, nearly 15,000 near-Earth objects have been cataloged, with ongoing efforts to improve detection methods. As technology advances, our ability to monitor and respond to potential threats may improve significantly.

The prospect of such celestial phenomena sparks both excitement and curiosity, reminding us of our place in the vast universe.

Source link