Prepare for the Unforgettable: A Rare Once-in-5,000-Year Lunar Event Awaits Earth in 2032!

An asteroid named 2024 YR4, which was discovered last year, has caught the attention of scientists. Initially, there were concerns about it colliding with Earth. But as more data came in, those worries eased significantly. Currently, the likelihood of it hitting our planet is about 0.004 percent. However, there’s a different story when it comes to the Moon, with a growing chance of impact.

Dr. Andrew Rivkin, a planetary scientist at Johns Hopkins University, pointed out that while Earth is a larger target, the asteroid’s trajectory has shifted closer to the Moon. Now, estimates suggest a 4.3 percent chance it might hit the Moon on December 22, 2032. If that happens, it could be quite the spectacle.

Richard Moissl, who leads the European Space Agency’s Planetary Defence Office, noted that a collision could result in new meteorites appearing on Earth and leave a noticeable crater on the Moon. Studies predict the impact could unleash energy equivalent to 6.5 megatons of TNT, creating a crater about 1 kilometer wide. This would be one of the largest celestial impacts in 5,000 years, possibly throwing up to 100 million kilograms of lunar debris into space.

Such debris could spark meteor showers visible from Earth, but that might pose risks to satellites in orbit. Researchers have indicated that the resulting meteoroid flux could be significantly higher than normal, potentially threatening both satellites and astronauts. Their findings highlight the importance of extending planetary defense strategies beyond just near-Earth space.

Paul Wiegert, a physics professor at the University of Western Ontario, emphasized that the outcome of this event depends largely on where the asteroid strikes. If the impact occurs on the side of the Moon facing Earth, it may even be possible to see a brief flash followed by the dispersal of dust. While we may not catch a clear view from our planet, spacecraft in orbit could provide better visuals.

As of now, the asteroid is too far from Earth for night-time telescopes to track it accurately. Scientists will have another chance to study it when its path brings it closer in 2028. There’s still some uncertainty, but NASA is proactively considering how to monitor or respond if necessary.

For more detailed insights on this topic, check NASA’s official updates and the research published through the American Astronomical Society.

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