Astronomers are warning that asteroid 2024 YR4 could hit the Moon in 2032, creating a massive crater and potentially an explosion visible from Earth. The chances of this happening are slim, but space agencies like NASA are taking precautions to refine estimates for the asteroid’s size and trajectory.
According to New Scientist, if the asteroid were to impact the Moon, it would create a crater measuring between 500-2,000 meters across. This explosion would be 343 times more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. However, NASA assures that this scenario is highly unlikely, with the chances of the asteroid hitting the Earth or Moon at less than 2%.
The James Webb Space Telescope has been put to use to gather more accurate data on the asteroid’s size and trajectory. The telescope will help scientists better understand the asteroid’s potential impact on our planet.
Meanwhile, another spacecraft, Blue Ghost, is scheduled to land near the lunar surface in March. Although this event carries a slight risk, NASA says it poses no threat to Earth or the Moon.
The asteroid 2024 YR4 is estimated to be as wide as 886 cans of spam and is expected to pass by Earth in 2032. While the chances of an impact are low, scientists will continue to monitor the situation closely.
Source: https://www.theregister.com/2025/02/17/asteroid_2024_yr4_might_hit