This asteroid may hit the Moon in 2032 and Earth could witness a meteor shower
Some of that junk could cross paths with the Earth, possibly creating a rare meteor shower and putting low-orbit satellites at risk. And while a space rock slamming into the Moon sounds like sci-fi, scientists are not ruling it out yet.
A few inches of rock, a lot of chaos
According to Fox News, the asteroid is small by cosmic standards - just 175 to 220 feet across, or roughly the height of a 15-story building. But with enough speed and the right angle, it could do real damage. On March 26, 2025, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope locked onto it, confirming its rocky, jagged surface and surprisingly reflective body. It is the tiniest object Webb has targeted so far.
If the asteroid does hit, simulations show it will strike somewhere on the Moon's southern half. The result? A violent spray of lunar rock, with some bits possibly reaching the Earth's orbit. The debris would not wipe out satellites, but small fragments could pepper them for weeks - or months - causing damage, even temporary outages. 'Hundreds to thousands of impacts from mm-sized debris' could be scattered across the satellite fleet, the researchers wrote.
What more to expect?
If even a sliver of that ejected lunar material hits Earth's atmosphere, we would see it really fast. 'The resulting meteor shower could last a few days and be spectacular,' the study says.
Because the debris would be moving slowly by meteor standards, the light show might be a little more subdued than usual but still visible.
The real concern, though, is not what we would see - it's what we might lose. NASA's upcoming Lunar Gateway, a space station planned to orbit the Moon, could face serious danger from impact fragments. Until 2028, when the asteroid comes back into view, scientists won't have much more to go on.
FAQs
Is asteroid 2024 YR4 going to hit Earth?
No, current data shows it poses no threat to the planet.
Will it hit the Moon?
Yes, though the odds are low, about 4%. But there's still a chance.
When would it strike the Moon?
If it does, scientists estimate the impact could happen in 2032.
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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? 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