How the James Webb Telescope Confronted a ‘City Killer’ Asteroid and Ensured Earth’s Safety

That “city-killer” asteroid, known as 2024 YR4, isn’t expected to hit Earth anytime soon, but scientists are still watching it closely.

Using the James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers have captured new images of this asteroid in infrared light. This has given us a clearer idea of its size. Earlier observations suggested it could be nearly 300 feet long. Now, we know it’s actually between 174 and 220 feet long—about the size of a 10-story building, according to NASA.

Andy Rivkin, who leads the telescope’s program, highlighted the importance of this research. “This is the smallest object we’ve directly measured so far,” he noted. While 2024 YR4 is no longer seen as a threat to Earth in 2032, these observations are still valuable. They help us figure out how to respond if another asteroid poses a danger.

2024 YR4 was first spotted in December 2024. By February, there was a moment of concern when the odds of it hitting Earth exceeded 3 percent. Though those odds were eventually lowered to zero, the incident sparked renewed interest in planetary defense. There are over a million asteroids in our solar system, with about 40,000 classified as near-Earth. This raises an important question: how can we quickly assess the risk from unknown asteroids?

Rivkin explained that many telescopes rely on sunlight reflected off asteroids, which makes it difficult to measure their sizes accurately. However, with the James Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), scientists can measure the heat emitted by asteroids, allowing for more precise size estimates.

The story of 2024 YR4 isn’t finished yet. Recent data suggests there’s a 3.8 percent chance it could collide with the Moon, a concern that’s more pressing now. This raises interesting questions about human reactions compared to when our planet was thought to be at risk.

In today’s world, the study of near-Earth objects and planetary defense is more crucial than ever. According to a 2022 survey by the Planetary Science Institute, 76% of people believe that tracking asteroids should be a top priority for scientists. This shows how much we care about potential risks from space.

By understanding these cosmic threats, we can develop better strategies for protection. For more on asteroid monitoring, you can check out this detailed report from NASA.

The saga of 2024 YR4 remains a compelling reminder of our place in the universe and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding our planet.



Source link