2024 YR4 is a flat, disc-shaped asteroid measuring 130–300 feet in diameter.
NASA ruled out an Earth impact after refining its orbital path.
A potential Moon impact could offer valuable scientific insights into asteroid dynamics.
An asteroid that was once expected to hit Earth is now being closely monitored for a potential collision with the Moon. The asteroid, named 2024 YR4, received much attention after NASA claimed it could collide with Earth. However, the risk of a collision has been eliminated because the chances have dropped to nearly zero. According to recent research, there is a 3.8% chance it will collide with Earth on December 22, 2032.
What is 2024 YR4?
The asteroid 2024 YR4 was discovered in December 2024 and had the highest Earth collision probability ever recorded for an asteroid of its size: one in 32 (3.1%). However, after careful observation and analysis of the orbital data, NASA estimated that there were only 0.00078% chances of an impact on Earth, ruling out the danger. However, the attention has now shifted to the Moon.
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Scientists have compared the asteroid to a hockey puck because of its unusually flat, disc-like shape, according to a recent study conducted with Chile’s Gemini South Telescope. The study’s lead author and astrophysicist at Eureka Scientific, Bryce Bolin, stated, “Most asteroids don’t look like this.” It stands out from the more typical potato-shaped asteroids thanks to its unique shape.
It is anticipated that the 2024 YR4 will have a diameter of 130 to 300 feet (40 to 90 meters) and rotate once every 20 minutes. Being a member of the S-type class of asteroids, it is abundant in silicate minerals like quartz. Scientists have a unique opportunity to study it because of its rare shape and relatively fast spin.
What will happen if it hits the Moon?
There will be no threat to Earth or the Moon’s orbit if the asteroid strikes the Moon, according to reports citing scientists. However, this could also help scientists observe impact physics and crater formation in real-time, which is a valuable piece of information for planetary science.
Astronomers will continue to track the trajectory of 2024 YR4 for the time being. Even though there is little chance of a lunar collision, there could be significant scientific benefits.
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Ashish Singh
Ashish Singh is the Chief Copy Editor at Digit. Previously, he worked as a Senior Sub-Editor with Jagran English from 2022, and has been a journalist since 2020, with experience at Times Internet. Ashish specializes in Technology. In his free time, you can find him exploring new gadgets, gaming, and discovering new places. View Full Profile
