A team of astronomers has made a surprising discovery about asteroid 2024 YR4, which was initially believed to have a small chance of striking Earth. The asteroid now appears to be heading towards the moon instead, with a slight possibility of hitting it in the future.
The nearly 200-foot (60-meter) asteroid is unlike most asteroids, resembling a flat disk or a hockey puck rather than a potato-shaped one. It rotates at a rate of about once every 20 minutes.
According to scientists, the asteroid likely originated from the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. Further analysis suggests that it’s rich in silicates.
In early 2024, NASA and the European Space Agency estimated the chances of the asteroid striking Earth as 3% in 2032. However, this risk has been reduced to virtually zero for the next century.
The asteroid is set to pass by Earth every four years, with its next close encounter approaching soon. Ground telescopes will no longer be able to see it due to distance, but the Webb Space Telescope will take another look later this month or next.
This discovery serves as a valuable learning experience for scientists in case of future asteroid threats, providing insights into asteroid behavior and characteristics.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/observations-show-asteroid-wont-hit-205955247.html