Latest news with #Asteroid
UPI
19-06-2025
- Science
- UPI
NASA raises chance for asteroid to hit the moon
An artist's illustration of the James Webb Space in space. According to new data, NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies at the agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has increased the likelihood that an object called Asteroid 2024 YR4 will strike the Moon in 2032. NASA Photo/UPI | License Photo June 19 (UPI) -- NASA has announced that an asteroid about 200 feet in diameter is now slightly more likely to crash into the moon. According to the newest data collected, NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies at the agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has refined the expected course for Asteroid 2024 YR4 and has given it an increased 4.3% probability of striking the moon on Dec. 22, 2032. The original likelihood was at 3.8% probability. The space rock is too far off in space to be detected with ground telescopes, but the James Webb Space Telescope, which orbits the sun, was able to take a new look at the space rock earlier this month before it was obscured from view. It was that opportunity that provided the data that led to the changed forecast. Due to YR4's solar orbit, NASA won't be able to view it again until it comes back around the sun in 2028. According to a research paper submitted to the American Astronomical Society journals and published Monday, should the asteroid hit the moon, it could cause a crater as large as around 3,200 feet and release 6.5 megatons of energy. As much as 220 million pounds of lunar material could be released by such an impact, and then as much as 10% of that ejecta could fall to Earth a few days later, so "meteorites are unlikely, though not impossible" according to the paper, but it would create an "eye-catching" meteor shower. However, any moon bits that do come toward the Earth also could increase the meteoroid impact exposure faced by satellites in near-Earth orbit for as long as a decade.
Wales Online
12-06-2025
- Science
- Wales Online
NASA says there's higher chance Asteroid 2024 YR4 will hit the Moon
NASA says there's higher chance Asteroid 2024 YR4 will hit the Moon The asteroid was originally projected to hit Earth, but a moon strike is now more likely We now have a more accurate track on Asteroid YR4 An asteroid scientists feared would cause havoc by striking the Earth in the year 2032 now has an increased likelihood of hitting the Moon. Asteroid 2024 YR4 is currently too distant to detect with telescopes from Earth, but NASA's James Webb Space Telescope collected one more observation of the asteroid before it escaped from view in its orbit around the Sun. With the additional data, experts from NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies at the agency's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California further refined the asteroid's orbit. The Webb data improved our knowledge of where the asteroid will be on 22 December 22, 2032, by nearly 20%. As a result, the asteroid's probability of impacting the Moon has slightly increased from 3.8% to 4.3%. In the small chance that the asteroid were to impact, it would not alter the Moon's orbit. When asteroid 2024 YR4 was first discovered, the asteroid had a small chance of impacting Earth. After more observations, NASA concluded the object poses no significant impact risk to Earth in 2032 and beyond. As additional data comes in, it is normal for the impact probability to evolve. An international team led by Dr. Andy Rivkin from the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland, made the observations using Webb's Near-Infrared Camera in May. Asteroid 2024 YR4 is now too far away to observe with either space or ground-based telescopes. NASA expects to make further observations when its orbit around the Sun brings it back into the vicinity of Earth in 2028.
India Today
11-06-2025
- Science
- India Today
Chances of city-killer asteroid crashing on the Moon just went up
Astronomers observing the Asteroid 2024 YR4 have raised the probability of its crashing on the Moon as it becomes James Webb Space Telescope collected one more observation of the asteroid before it escaped from view in its orbit around the Sun. Analysis has now raised its probability of impacting the Moon from 3.8% to 4.3%.When the asteroid 2024 YR4 was first discovered, the asteroid had a small chance of impacting Earth. After more observations, NASA concluded the object poses no significant impact risk to Earth in 2032 and Estimated to be about 130 to 300 feet wide, Asteroid 2024 YR4 grabbed the attention of astronomers when it rose on the NASA automated Sentry risk list on December 31, 2024. This list includes any known near-Earth asteroids that have a non-zero probability of impacting Earth in the watch!Webb was able to help refine, by nearly 20%, our knowledge of the asteroid 2024 YR4's orbit, and the (super tiny) odds of it impacting the Moon in 2032. NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) June 5, 2025Astronomers have also constructed a 3D model of asteroid 2024 YR4 using observations conducted by the Gemini South telescope in team acknowledged that the unusually-shaped rock is one of the largest objects in recent history that could impact the Moon and that it likely originated from the main asteroid 2024 YR4 is now too far away to observe with either space or ground-based telescopes. NASA expects to make further observations when the asteroid's orbit around the Sun brings it back into the vicinity of Earth in 2028.," the team said in their data has improved our knowledge of where the asteroid will be on Dec. 22, 2032, by nearly 20%.In a paper, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, the team had noted that the asteroid has a diameter of about 30–65 meters (98–213 feet). The analysis also revealed that the asteroid has a rapid rotation period of approximately one rotation per 20 minutes, as well as an unusual hockey-puck-like team determined that 2024 YR4 most likely originated from the main asteroid belt, with a high probability of being perturbed into its current near-Earth orbit by gravitational interactions with Jupiter.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
NASA warns! Massive 25-storey building sized asteroid is set to pass close to Earth on May 28 - know the speed, time and other key details
A massive asteroid named 2025 JR is drawing global attention as it speeds toward Earth for a close encounter. Roughly the size of a 25-storey building, the space rock is set to make its nearest approach on Wednesday, May 28. While it will safely bypass Earth at a distance of 4.6 million kilometers, that proximity is considered unusually close in astronomical terms. The asteroid's size and speed—combined with its Earth-crossing orbit—have sparked interest among scientists, space agencies, and skywatchers alike. Though there is no risk of collision, the flyby serves as a vivid reminder of how close—and unpredictable—near-Earth objects can be, reinforcing the need for continued monitoring and space preparedness. Asteroid 2025 JR is moving towards Earth on May 28 On 28 May 2025, Asteroid 2025 JR is set to pass by Earth at 8:40 am IST, which is about 250 feet (76 meters) across, a respectable size in space. It's an Apollo-class near-Earth object (NEO)—a class marked by asteroids that have orbits that intersect with Earth's orbit around the Sun. Being of this kind of orbital feature, these asteroids are kept under close watch for how much danger they could pose. The asteroid travels at a staggering 40,800 km/h, a speed that, were it orbiting the Earth, would finish the journey in under an hour. While 2025 JR is not deemed a "potentially hazardous asteroid" because it is below the threshold diameter of 460 feet (140 meters), it is large enough that if it were to strike the Earth, the destruction would be devastating. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Did You Know Luxury Hotel Prices in 2025 Could Be So Low? Expertinspector Learn More Undo Asteroid 2025 JR: Date, time, speed and other details Parameter Details Name Asteroid 2025 JR Closest Approach Date 28 May 2025 Time of Approach 8:40 AM IST Estimated Diameter 250 feet (76 meters) Speed 40,800 km/h Distance from Earth 4.6 million kilometers Asteroid 2025 JR potential risk Should asteroid 2025 JR impact Earth, the destruction would be horrific. Moving at incredible velocity, the impact energy would be equivalent to a few nuclear bombs detonating in unison. This would destroy much, trigger huge explosions, and potentially result in large-scale loss of life. One traditional historical analogy most often provided is the 1908 Tunguska asteroid or comet explosion in Siberia, where an asteroid or comet with a diameter of approximately 160–200 feet exploded in the air. The explosion flattened approximately 2,000 square kilometres of trees—a wider area than the city of Delhi—showing the destructive energy released by comparatively small space bodies. How scientists track near-Earth objects Asteroid tracking 2025 JR is a complicated process which engages the whole world. NASA's Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies coordinates the activity by collecting data from a variety of telescopes and radar stations across the globe. Amateur astronomers also participate by searching the sky for unidentified objects. This network assists researchers in forecasting near-approach and possible impact events more accurately. But despite all these developments, there are still numerous space rocks that are unknown, posing challenges to planetary defence constantly. Also Read | Watch | NASA astronaut captures rare Northern Lights aurora display over North America from the International Space Station
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
NASA alert! A massive asteroid racing towards Earth at 14 kilometres per second on May 24; should we be concerned
Asteroid 2003 MH4 , nearly three football fields long, is set to sweep past Earth around 24 May 2025. Its size and speed have caught the attention of scientists, raising concerns despite no immediate threat. The asteroid's close flyby has prompted NASA 's planetary defense teams to monitor it closely, ensuring any potential risk is quickly assessed. While the chances of impact remain low, the unusual size and speed of the asteroid have heightened awareness and triggered enhanced monitoring, underscoring the importance of preparedness in planetary defense efforts. Asteroid 2003 MH4 is set to fly by Earth on May 24 Asteroid 2003 MH4 is 335 meters in diameter, the length of three football fields placed one behind the other. The behemoth boulder is moving at an impressive velocity of 14 kilometers per second (approximately 50,400 km/h). The asteroid would travel from Delhi to Mumbai (approximately 1,500 km) in under a minute at such velocity. Asteroid 2003 MH4 will pass at a distance of 6.68 million kilometers from Earth on May 24, 2025. Although this is gargantuan in terms of human measurement, it is close in terms of the universe. To put it into perspective, it is 17 times closer than the Earth and Moon—a proximity that makes the trajectory of the asteroid important. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esta nueva alarma con cámara es casi regalada en San Bernardo (ver precio) Verisure Alarmas Leer más Undo It is in the orbits of space that an approach of 6.68 million kilometers counts as a close call of a kind, particularly considering the size of the object in question. Although Earth will never be in any kind of jeopardy, the occurrence helps to highlight the need for special caution in tracking large near-Earth objects (NEOs). What makes 2003 MH4 'potentially hazardous' NASA classifies asteroids with a specific size and proximity as Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs). An asteroid becomes a PHA if it satisfies two conditions: Size: It should be 150 meters or more in diameter. Proximity: It should come within less than 7.5 million kilometers to the Earth.\ Asteroid 2003 MH4 qualifies on both counts and is then, in turn, officially designated as a PHA. This, too, needs to be closely monitored due to future impacts but with low likelihood, given its orbital characteristics. Asteroid 2003 MH4: Ongoing monitoring and surveillance There is no present threat from Asteroid 2003 MH4 to the world in the near future. Its speed and dimensions, however, must be kept under constant surveillance. The asteroid takes 410 days to orbit the Sun, which is approximately the number of near approaches that lie in its future. Any small change in its path, due to gravitational attraction by other masses or effects such as the Yarkinsky effect (an effect whereby the rotation of an asteroid is affected by radiation from the surface of the asteroid), would result in closer future approaches. The ongoing monitoring of objects like 2003 MH4 is part of the overall planetary defense plan. Their trajectory and behavior assist in planning for potential methods of mitigation in the event one of them ends up posing a deep threat to the planet in the distant future. How NASA tracks PHAs NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) and Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) make periodic observations of the objects using ground-based telescopes and space observatories. Orbital modeling and radar observation, for instance, enable scientists to forecast the future path of the asteroid and calculate any potential danger. What are the Apollo asteroids Asteroid 2003 MH4 is an Apollo family, a collection of Earth-crossing asteroids. They pass around the Sun in orbits that intersect or almost intersect the Earth's orbit. "Apollo" is named after the first discovery of these asteroids, 1862 Apollo, in 1932. So far, there are more than 21,000 Apollo asteroids , which are typically bodies of immense concern and interest for planetary defense programs, and have been found by astronomers. They are apt to cross the orbit of our planet. The Apollo group asteroids, such as 2003 MH4, have orbits crossing that of Earth and their orbits get altered due to the planet's gravitational pull, especially those of Earth and Jupiter. This will result in altering their orbits occasionally and causing new close approaches in the future. On-going observation by NASA tracks any change of orbits of such bodies and thus improving predictability and avoiding potential impacts. Other asteroids that will be monitored Asteroid 2003 MH4 is only one of the objects tracked by NASA. For instance, Asteroid Apophis, which had initially been considered to impact Earth in 2029, was subsequently taken off the list of consideration for imminent danger upon close tracking. At the same time, other asteroids close to Earth such as 2024 YR4 and 2025 FA22 are also monitored. Specifically, 2025 FA22 will pass very close to our planet in 2089, although present computer models put chances of impact at a mere 0.01%. Slim as the chances may be, the asteroid will be under intense observation. Why ongoing observation is important The sudden near-miss by an Asteroid 2003 MH4 reminds us of the dynamic and potentially volatile nature of our own solar system. The asteroid is not currently causing any devastation but could be a reminder of the necessity of keen observation of near-Earth objects, as well as improved telescopic technology and orbital simulation and planetary defense research to observe these objects and make sure that we are ready for whatever devastation they will ultimately bring. As May 24, 2025, draws near, international space agencies will monitor 2003 MH4, not because it is an imminent threat, but because it reminds us of our vulnerability in a vast and capricious universe. The capability to monitor and project the trajectory of such objects may prove to be the most vital one day to maintaining life on Earth. Also Read | Witness the best stargazing events of summer 2025: Full moons, meteor showers, and eclipses you can't miss
