A recent observation of asteroid 2024 YR4 has revealed a unique shape, likening it to a spinning hockey puck. This unusual shape was discovered by astronomers at the Gemini South Observatory in Chile using multiple wavelengths of light. The asteroid, approximately 200 feet in length, appears as a flat disk with a rapid rotation rate of about every 20 minutes.
Contrary to common expectations that most asteroids are shaped like potatoes or toy tops, this find is an unexpected twist. According to Eureka Scientific team lead, Bryce Bolin, the discovery was surprising since asteroids typically exhibit such shapes. The asteroid is believed to have originated from the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter and contains silicates.
Initially, NASA estimated a 3% chance of asteroid 2024 YR4 striking Earth in 2032. However, this probability has decreased to virtually zero for the next century. Meanwhile, there is a 3.8% chance it might strike the moon instead. According to NASA, even if that occurs, the moon’s orbit will not be altered.
Asteroid 2024 YR4 will soon become too distant to be observed by ground telescopes and will require follow-up observations from the Webb Space Telescope later this month or next. This finding serves as valuable practice for potential asteroid threats in the future.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/nasa-asteroid-2024-yr4-629436fdba363ed06c188f43e0c47534