Discover the Unexpected Shape of a Near-Earth Asteroid – What It Means for Our Planet

Scientists recently discovered an interesting asteroid, 2024 YR4, which may not have the typical shape we expect. Instead of being round like a potato, it resembles a flat disk or a spinning hockey puck. Researchers at the Gemini South Observatory in Chile studied this asteroid, which is nearly 200 feet wide, and created a 3D image of it. They found it spins quickly, rotating about every 20 minutes.

Lead researcher Bryce Bolin from Eureka Scientific mentioned that asteroids usually look like potatoes or toy tops. The surprising shape of 2024 YR4 provides new insights into the diversity of these celestial bodies. It likely comes from the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter and is rich in silicates, which are compounds made of silicon and oxygen.

Earlier this year, NASA and the European Space Agency assessed the risk of 2024 YR4 hitting Earth in 2032 at just 3%. Now, that risk is virtually zero for the next century. However, there’s still a 3.8% chance it could collide with the moon instead. If that were to happen, NASA reassures us that the moon’s orbit wouldn’t be affected.

Asteroids like 2024 YR4 are significant for scientists. They provide opportunities to practice and improve our strategies for tracking and potentially deflecting asteroids that could pose a threat to Earth. The asteroid swings by our planet every four years. While it will be too distant for ground telescopes to observe next week, the Webb Space Telescope is scheduled to take another look later this month or next.

In the past, several events concerning asteroids have raised public awareness. For instance, in 2013, a meteor exploded over Chelyabinsk, Russia, injuring over a thousand people, illustrating the potential dangers these objects can pose. Recent data indicates that, despite the risks, the chance of a significant impact remains relatively low.

As scientists continue to observe asteroids, our understanding of these fascinating objects will grow, highlighting both their risks and the wonders of our solar system.

For more on asteroid tracking and studies, you can refer to NASA’s official resources here.

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