The Subaru Telescope at Mauna Kea Observatory has provided new data confirming that asteroid 2024 YR4 poses no significant risk to Earth’s impact. Initially, the asteroid had a low but concerning probability of collision when it was first detected in December 2024.
To refine its trajectory, astronomers conducted multiple observations and adjusted the estimated impact probability several times between February 2025 and late February 2025. The Subaru Telescope’s Hyper Suprime-Cam played a key role in gathering critical positional data needed to eliminate impact concerns.
Astronomers are particularly interested in tracking asteroids that could be nudged into collision due to gravitational influences from other space objects. Continuous monitoring is essential for planetary defense, and this case highlights the importance of international cooperation in asteroid tracking and impact risk assessment.
The latest data shows 2024 YR4 will pass Earth at a safe distance, with no significant impact risk in the next century. Observations of the asteroid will continue until early April 2025, when it becomes too faint to track. The Subaru Telescope’s contribution demonstrates the crucial role ground-based observatories play in refining asteroid trajectories.
Source: https://dailygalaxy.com/2025/03/subaru-telescope-asteroid-2024-yr4