Asteroid 2024 YR4, initially predicted to hit the Earth in December 2032, has had its trajectory shift and is now expected to miss our planet entirely. However, astronomers have found that it will instead collide with the moon.
Initial observations suggested a high risk of impact, peaking at 3.1% in February, but further studies revealed a slight chance of Earth being affected. Ground-based and space-based telescopes were used to gather more precise data on the asteroid’s size and orbit.
New observations have improved astronomers’ knowledge by almost 20% since its initial detection. Although the impact with the moon poses no physical danger to Earth, it could still send debris towards our planet. This could potentially put astronauts, satellites in orbit, and critical infrastructure at risk.
Experts warn that the asteroid’s size and potential impact should not be underestimated, as it was initially dubbed a “city killer.” Dr. Paul Wiegert notes that the threat now extends beyond Earth, highlighting the need to expand the protection zone to include areas further away from our planet.
The estimated diameter of the asteroid is approximately 60 meters (200 feet), and its collision with the moon could create a bright flash visible for several seconds. While this news brings relief that the asteroid will not impact Earth, it remains an important reminder of the risks associated with space exploration.
Source: https://euroweeklynews.com/2025/07/25/asteroid-sure-to-hit-the-moon-could-affect-us-on-earth