Moon impact risk from asteroid 2024 YR4 confirmed to be zero
Will asteroid 2024 YR4 hit the moon in 2032?
The question of whether asteroid 2024 YR4 poses a threat to the moon has been definitively answered: it will not. NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has confirmed that the asteroid will pass safely by the moon, eliminating any risk of a lunar impact.
Previously, the chances of a lunar impact from asteroid 2024 YR4 were estimated at 4.3%. However, recent observations have reduced this risk to zero. The asteroid, which measures between 174 and 220 feet (53 to 67 meters) in diameter, will pass at a distance of 13,200 miles (21,200 kilometers) from the moon.
Asteroid 2024 YR4 was discovered in late 2024 by the ATLAS network, a system designed to detect near-Earth objects. If it were to hit Earth, it could unleash a force equivalent to 500 Hiroshima bombs, highlighting the importance of monitoring such celestial bodies.
The moon, which goes through eight distinct phases in a lunar cycle, will be in a Waning Gibbous phase on March 5, 2026, with 96% illumination. This phase is significant for lunar observations and events.
The next Full Moon in North America is predicted to take place on April 1, 2026, providing an opportunity for enthusiasts to observe the moon in its entirety.
With the confirmation from NASA’s Webb telescope, the focus now shifts to ongoing monitoring of other near-Earth objects and their potential risks. The scientific community continues to emphasize the importance of tracking asteroids, as their paths can change over time.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any future observations or missions related to asteroid 2024 YR4, but the current findings provide a sense of relief for lunar and space enthusiasts alike.
