The asteroid 2024 YR4 has been a topic of great concern among astronomers. Observations made by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) show that this massive object could be even larger and rockier than initially expected. While early reports suggested that it might be a threat to Earth, recent studies have narrowed the chances of an impact to almost zero. However, there is still a slight possibility that Asteroid 2024 YR4 could collide with the Moon in 2032.
Asteroid 2024 YR4: Close Call with Earth and Moon
After initial calculations indicated a 1% chance of impact with Earth in 2032, the risk fluctuated throughout the year, reaching a peak of 3.1% in February. NASA’s recalculations eventually reduced the probability to only 0.004%. Fortunately, the risk to Earth seems minimal, but a collision with the Moon remains a slight concern. With a 2% chance of direct impact on our lunar neighbor, the asteroid could still have devastating consequences on the Moon’s surface. Astronomers are closely monitoring Asteroid 2024 YR4 as it makes its way through the solar system.
Asteroid 2024 Impact Risk and What We Know So Far
The asteroid was first detected in December 2024, and its size was estimated to be around 180 feet in diameter. A collision with Earth would be catastrophic, capable of destroying an entire city with the energy equivalent of 500 Hiroshima bombs. However, based on the most recent observations, it appears that the asteroid poses little threat to Earth. Nonetheless, scientists continue to study Asteroid 2024 YR4 in hopes of better understanding the full extent of its potential hazards.
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Source: www.people.com
