NASA’s Webb Space Telescope has captured stunning images of asteroid 2024 YR4, which was initially predicted to have a 3% chance of colliding with Earth in 2032. According to scientists, the observations conducted using the telescope reduced this threat to nearly zero. However, there is still a slight possibility that the asteroid could hit the moon instead.
Asteroid 2024 YR4 measures approximately 200 feet across and is now considered the smallest object ever observed by the Webb Space Telescope. The observatory’s massive size allows it to detect objects of this scale, making it an invaluable tool for understanding similar asteroids that may pose a threat in the future.
“This serves as valuable practice for other asteroids that may threaten us down the road,” said John Hopkins University astronomer Andrew Rivkin. “By studying 2024 YR4 and its characteristics, we can gain insights into other objects of similar size, including the next one that might be heading our way.”
Source: https://apnews.com/article/nasa-webb-telescope-2024-yr4-a98d1ebf61260436cf3f686b803e289d