Asteroid 2024 YR4 may smash into moon, wipe out 10,000 satellites, and trigger meteor showers on earth
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Will Asteroid 2024 YR4 Hit the Moon? Scientists Warn of Lunar Impact Risk
Size of Asteroid 2024 YR4 and the Scale of Potential Moon Crater
Could Lunar Debris from the Impact Trigger Meteor Showers on Earth?
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Over 10,000 Satellites at Risk If Lunar Debris Reaches Earth Orbit
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was detected by scientists and raises warnings of a close possibility to hit thein the near future, as per a report. Although there is only a 4% possibility of impact, the experts caution that in case it hits, its effects would ripple beyond our lunar neighbor and could pose a threat to thousands of satellites revolving around, as well as throw spectacularinto Earth, as per The Express report.Discovered last year, asteroid 2024 YR4 initially caused panic as it appeared to be heading straight for Earth, briefly earning a high threat level on the Torino Impact Hazard Scale, according to the report. But follow-up observations, including crucial data from, reassured scientists that Earth itself is not at risk at present, as per The Express. Instead, attention has shifted to the Moon, where the asteroid might still make a dramatic impact, according to the report.ALSO READ: Who will inherit Ozzy Osbourne's $220 million fortune? Here's who gets what It measures between 175 to 220 feet wide, and it is wide enough that if it were to strike the Moon, it would create a crater of more than half a mile in diameter, the largest lunar impact in about 5,000 years, according to The Express.Scientists at thesubmitted a study for review that found that the impact of the asteroid on the Moon could eject lunar debris into space and toward Earth, as reported by The Express.ALSO READ: Before Sharon: Meet the first Mrs Osbourne who wiped Ozzy from her life completely The potential meteor shower would be a risk to the thousands ofthat orbit Earth, as per the report. With more than 10,000 operational satellites and more than 25,000 pieces of space trash in low-Earth orbit, the incoming space junk has the potential to cause collisions, damage, and disruptions that would last for a days, according to The Express.Scientists have warned that the debris could pose a 'serious hazard to moon-orbiting spacecraft,' such as NASA's Lunar Gateway, and could be an 'even greater danger' to surface operations on the moon, as reported by The Express.The authors explained, 'Given the very large total exposed area for satellites by 2032, it becomes possible that hundreds to thousands of impacts from mm-sized debris ejected by a lunar impact from 2024 YR4 will be experienced across the entire satellite fleet," adding, 'Such impacts may damage satellites, but are small enough to generally not end active missions or cause breakups,' as quoted in The Express.There's about a 4% chance it could collide with the Moon within the next decade.No. Scientists have confirmed that Earth is currently safe from this asteroid.
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Time of India
10 hours ago
- Time of India
Asteroid 2024 YR4 may hit the Moon in 2032 causing rare meteor showers visible from Earth and risk for satellites
Astronomers have been keeping a close watch on asteroid 2024 YR4 since its detection late last year. While initial observations sparked concern about a potential Earth impact, updated trajectory models have now ruled out that possibility. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now However, scientists warn there is still a 4% chance that the asteroid could collide with the Moon in 2032. Though small measuring only 175 to 220 feet in diameter its speed and angle could unleash enormous energy upon impact, carving out a half-mile-wide crater on the lunar surface. Such an event would not only be scientifically historic but could also generate a rare meteor shower and pose serious risks to satellites in low-Earth orbit. This potential impact is pushing astronomers to track the asteroid with unprecedented precision. Asteroid 2024 YR4 may hit big moon crater and cause rare meteor showers Asteroid 2024 YR4 is only 175–220 feet wide, roughly the height of a 15-story building but travelling at thousands of miles per hour, its impact energy could equal millions of tons of TNT. If it strikes the Moon, models predict it will create a crater more than half a mile wide, similar in size to some craters formed by much larger meteorites billions of years ago. Such energy release would blast debris into space, ejecting chunks of lunar rock at escape velocity. Most ejected debris would disperse harmlessly into space, but some fragments could cross paths with Earth's orbit. While this debris poses no existential threat, it could trigger a rare meteor shower visible from Earth. Unlike normal fast-moving meteors, these fragments would travel slower, creating a brighter, longer-lasting celestial display. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The meteor shower could last several days and might become one of the most memorable astronomical events of the decade. How was asteroid 2024 YR4 discovered The asteroid was discovered in late 2024, when automated sky-survey systems detected a fast-moving object in deep space. Initially, there were concerns about a possible Earth collision, but refined orbital models ruled out direct danger to our planet. Instead, focus shifted to the Moon, which now faces a small but notable risk of impact. In March 2025, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) observed the asteroid in detail, capturing images of its rocky, jagged surface and unexpectedly reflective properties. These observations are critical because surface composition and reflectivity (albedo) influence how sunlight affects its orbit—a factor known as the Yarkovsky effect—which can subtly change an asteroid's path over time. Asteroid 2024 YR4 impact risks for satellites and benefits for space science The biggest technical concern is space infrastructure. Modern life relies heavily on low-Earth orbit satellites for communication, weather forecasting, GPS navigation, and internet services. The impact debris, while small (millimeter-sized), could still collide with satellites, causing surface damage or temporary outages. NASA's upcoming Lunar Gateway station, which will orbit the Moon, may also be at risk if even a small fraction of debris intersects its orbit. Engineers are already considering protective measures and contingency plans for such scenarios. Asteroid 2024 YR4 offers scientists a unique opportunity to study small-body impact physics and the Moon's surface dynamics. Additionally, it highlights the importance of planetary defense initiatives, which aim to detect and, if necessary, deflect asteroids that might threaten Earth or its immediate surroundings. Astronomers plan to track YR4 closely until 2028, when it reappears in optimal observation range. That data will allow them to refine impact probability estimates and prepare for any potential outcomes. If the asteroid does strike, humanity would witness a rare lunar event visible from Earth. While dangerous for satellites, the incident would have no catastrophic effect on life on our planet. On the positive side, it could give scientists invaluable insight into impact processes, help improve space debris mitigation, and even inspire new planetary defense strategies. Asteroid 2024 YR4 may hit the moon in 2032 related FAQs Is asteroid 2024 YR4 going to hit Earth? No. Current trajectory models show no risk to Earth, so there is no danger of a direct impact on our planet. Could asteroid 2024 YR4 hit the Moon? Yes, there is about a 4% chance of a collision with the Moon, which is why scientists continue to track it closely. When could the asteroid hit the Moon? If it does collide, the predicted impact window is sometime in 2032, based on existing orbital data. What happens if the asteroid hits the Moon? It could create a half-mile-wide crater, send lunar debris into space, and possibly trigger a rare meteor shower visible from Earth. Will this event be dangerous for people on Earth? No, life on Earth will not be affected. The only concern is for satellites and space infrastructure, which could face temporary risks. Also Read |
Economic Times
4 days ago
- Economic Times
What happens if the moon takes a hit? Scientists brace for a possible asteroid collision
TIL Creatives Representative AI Image Asteroid 2024 YR4 is back in the spotlight. Discovered in late 2024 and initially feared to be heading for Earth, new tracking data has calmed those concerns. But scientists are not ready to relax just still a 4 percent chance the asteroid could hit the Moon in 2032. That might sound low, but the consequences are worth paying attention to.A study still under peer review suggests that if 2024 YR4 strikes, it could leave a crater over half a mile wide and send chunks of lunar rock into researchers warn this could pose real dangers to satellites and space missions. While the debris wouldn't endanger Earth directly, it could have knock-on effects above our put things in perspective, the asteroid is only 175 to 220 feet across. That's about the size of a 15-storey building. But size isn't the only thing that matters in space. If it comes in fast and at the right angle, it could pack a serious James Webb Space Telescope spotted the asteroid on 26 March 2025. It confirmed that 2024 YR4 has a rough, jagged surface and reflects more light than expected. According to Fox News, it's the smallest object the telescope has observed so suggest that if it does impact, it'll likely crash into the Moon's southern region. That's where the debris risk comes in.'Hundreds to thousands of impacts from mm-sized debris' could scatter across Earth's low orbit, the researchers wrote. That includes areas filled with active satellites and communication all the debris would float harmlessly through space. Some could fall into Earth's atmosphere.'The resulting meteor shower could last a few days and be spectacular,' the study says. It would likely be visible to the naked eye, though less intense than typical meteor events because the debris would be moving that might sound exciting for skywatchers, the real risk lies in orbit. Satellites could be peppered by tiny fragments for weeks or even months. Damage could include minor surface hits or temporary outages. These effects might not be catastrophic, but they could disrupt services people rely on Lunar Gateway, a planned space station that will orbit the Moon, could be a direct target of any flying debris if 2024 YR4 station isn't alone. Several future missions, including robotic and crewed Moon landings over the next decade, may also be in concern isn't new. As the study highlights, a similar debate erupted in 2021 after the uncontrolled re-entry of a Chinese Long March 5B rocket. That incident reignited questions about how we manage safety in orbit. There are currently over 10,000 active satellites and at least 25,000 tracked pieces of space junk circling Earth. Add high-speed lunar debris into the mix, and the risk of collision rises sharply. When 2024 YR4 was first identified, it was thought to be heading for Earth. For a short time, it was given the highest rating ever on the Torino Impact Hazard Scale. That's the system used to measure asteroid February 2025, scientists had ruled out an Earth impact. But the new trajectory pointed to the Moon from NASA's Webb telescope show its surface littered with boulder-sized rocks, according to Fox Weather. That suggests the asteroid is more than just a smooth pebble in space. It has the potential to cause real disruption, even from hundreds of thousands of kilometres researchers behind the study are from the University of Western Ontario and Athabasca University. They say we won't get better data until 2028, when the asteroid comes back into then, all anyone can do is wait, watch, and prepare.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
What happens if the moon takes a hit? Scientists brace for a possible asteroid collision
NASA Asteroid Alert: Scientists are watching asteroid 2024 YR4 closely after it was first spotted in late 2024. While it's no longer on a collision course with Earth, there's still a 4 percent chance it could crash into the Moon by 2032. The impact could blast debris into space, risk satellite damage, and create a short-lived meteor shower on Earth. Space agencies are especially worried about future missions and infrastructure like NASA's Lunar Gateway, which could be caught in the fallout. Disclaimer Statement: This content is authored by a 3rd party. The views expressed here are that of the respective authors/ entities and do not represent the views of Economic Times (ET). ET does not guarantee, vouch for or endorse any of its contents nor is responsible for them in any manner whatsoever. Please take all steps necessary to ascertain that any information and content provided is correct, updated, and verified. ET hereby disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, relating to the report and any content therein. More
