NASA scientists sound alarm over phenomenon that could cause serious damage to the Moon
NASA scientists are warning of a potential asteroid collision with the Moon.
The team at the US space agency observed asteroid 2024 YR4, which is showing signs of potential lunar collision pathways. 2024 YR4 was discovered at first by NASA’s Planetary Defence Coordination Office, and it's got scientists on edge because of its unusual shape.
Earlier this month, scientists shared a message that the asteroid has a 1-in-83 chance of striking our planet in 2032.
If it does, the asteroid travelling at nearly 30,000 mph (48,000 kph) 'could wipe out a major city,' the experts stated.
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However, NASA confirmed this to no longer be the case, stating on its website: "When asteroid 2024 YR4 was first discovered, it was thought the asteroid had a very small chance of impacting Earth on Dec. 22, 2032.
"After more observations, NASA has concluded the object poses no significant impact risk to Earth in 2032 and beyond."
Now, while the asteroid isn’t substantial enough to destroy our lunar satellite, it’s large enough to leave a noticeable crater.
According to images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope, 2024 YR4 is 'about the size of a 15-story building.'
Depending on how fast and hard the asteroid hits, the collision would likely send lunar debris flying into space, causing a direct impact on planet Earth.
David Rankin, an operations engineer for the University of Arizona's Catalina Sky Survey, shared on Bluesky that the asteroid also has a '0.3% chance' of hitting the Moon.
While the impact would likely be visible from Earth, it’s unlikely to directly affect us. "There is the possibility this would eject some material back out that could hit the Earth, but I highly doubt it would cause any major threat," Rankin explained in an interview with New Scientist.
He added: "It would likely be very visible from Earth."
Agreeing with this, Gareth Collins, a planetary science professor at Imperial College London, assured New Scientist that 'we would be quite safe on Earth,' adding that any debris kicked up from the impact would most likely burn up in Earth’s atmosphere.
On a more positive note, there is still over 98% chance that the asteroid will miss the Moon. But if it does impact, it could provide valuable scientific data about the Moon's geological characteristics and help to improve future planetary defence strategies. If anything, this potential incident is a wake-up call for experts to devise creative, protective strategies for lunar equipment alongside its operational staff.