Asteroid 2024 YR4 Nears 4.3% Chance Moon Impact Threatening Satellites
Asteroid 2024 YR4 Nears 4.3% Chance Moon Impact Threatening Satellites

Asteroid 2024 YR4 Nears 4.3% Chance Moon Impact Threatening Satellites

News summary

Asteroid 2024 YR4, a 60-meter-wide space rock initially feared to strike Earth in 2032, now poses a higher risk of colliding with the Moon, with a 4.3% probability based on James Webb Space Telescope data. While a lunar impact would not affect the Moon’s orbit or shatter it, the collision could create a kilometer-wide crater and eject up to 100 million kilograms of debris. About 10% of this debris could be drawn toward Earth’s gravity, potentially damaging thousands of satellites in orbit by causing a significant increase in meteor activity. Scientists emphasize that Earth's atmosphere would protect the surface from small lunar rocks, but the threat to satellites is serious due to the high velocity of these particles. Despite the risks, experts say there is currently no cause for alarm, noting that further observations when the asteroid returns in 2028 will allow refined impact assessments and potential response planning. The event could also produce a spectacular meteor shower visible from Earth.

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100% Right
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247a7f2a-20c0-438e-9347-4e4eecdc0f421d047b27-d4f4-45ed-bbd2-756dae2e1d47
Right 100%
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2
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2
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Last Updated
17 days ago
Bias Distribution
100% Right
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