The James Webb Space Telescope has made its first observations of the near-Earth asteroid 2024 YR4, confirming that it poses no threat to Earth but a possible collision with the moon. The telescope’s infrared sensors detected heat emitted by the asteroid, revealing it may be slightly larger and rockier than previously estimated.
NASA had initially estimated a 3.1% chance of a direct impact with Earth in 2032, which was later refined down to 0%. However, JWST observations suggest the asteroid is about 200 feet (60 meters) in diameter and has a non-zero probability of impacting the moon at a 2% chance.
A second round of observations is planned for May 2025 to further refine the asteroid’s trajectory. The European Space Agency (ESA) used emergency telescope time to study the asteroid’s size and composition, utilizing JWST’s infrared sensors to detect heat emitted by the asteroid. This data suggests that the asteroid may be rockier than initially thought.
The team is now waiting for a moon impact, which could provide a unique opportunity for lunar researchers to study the formation of a lunar crater by a known asteroid for the first time.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/space/asteroids/james-webb-telescope-takes-emergency-look-at-city-killer-asteroid-2024-yr4-ahead-of-close-encounter-in-2032