NASA says asteroid 2024 YR4 has zero chance of hitting the Moon in 2032 after Webb observations
The Facts
- NASA says there is now zero chance that asteroid 2024 YR4 will crash into the Moon in 2032.
- NASA previously estimated about a 4.3% chance of a direct lunar impact for asteroid 2024 YR4 in 2032.
- Observations by the James Webb Space Telescope in February were used to refine asteroid 2024 YR4’s orbit.
- With the updated orbit, NASA says the asteroid will miss the Moon by about 13,200 miles (21,200 kilometers) on Dec. 22, 2032.
- Asteroid 2024 YR4 was discovered at the end of 2024.
- Scientists previously ruled out a collision between asteroid 2024 YR4 and Earth anytime in the next century.
- The asteroid is described as being about 200 feet (about 60 meters) across.
Context
What changed NASA’s assessment of the Moon-impact risk?
NASA said new observations from the James Webb Space Telescope in February allowed scientists to refine asteroid 2024 YR4’s orbit, leading to an updated trajectory that rules out a lunar impact in 2032. Daily Mail,ScienceAlert
How close will asteroid 2024 YR4 come to the Moon in 2032?
NASA’s updated calculations indicate the asteroid will pass the Moon by about 13,200 miles (21,200 kilometers) on Dec. 22, 2032. Daily Mail,Independent,ScienceAlert
Was asteroid 2024 YR4 considered a threat to Earth?
After the asteroid’s discovery in late 2024, it initially appeared it might threaten Earth, but scientists later ruled out an Earth collision anytime in the next century. Daily Mail,Independent
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