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New York Post
11 hours ago
- Science
- New York Post
Massive asteroid on potential impact path with the Moon could trigger destructive meteor shower on earth
What happens if an asteroid the size of a 15-story building crashes into the Moon in 2032? While the chances of the newly discovered asteroid 2024 YR4 hitting the Moon in seven years are slim – there is currently a 96% chance it won't happen – an impact of this size would not come without consequences for the Moon, astronauts and spacecraft orbiting Earth. A new study submitted for review by scientists with the University of Western Ontario and Athabasca University in Canada took observations from the James Webb Space Telescope of asteroid 2024 YR4 and used simulations to show how much lunar debris would be ejected out into space, sending pieces of the Moon toward Earth. After its initial discovery late last year, the asteroid appeared to have a small chance of impacting Earth, warranting international attention, and jumping to the highest asteroid threat ever given on the Torino Impact Hazard Scale. By February, more ground-based observations of the asteroid helped clear the threat to Earth, but the Moon still faces a possible impact. 3 Any lunar debris that makes it within Earth's atmosphere could create a meteor shower event over the planet. NASA Earlier this year, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope helped scientists determine that the asteroid is between 175 and 220 feet in diameter. If Asteroid 2024 YR4 crashes into the Moon, it would create a crater more than half a mile in diameter (1 km), becoming the largest impact in about 5,000 years, according to the study. Current calculations show, if it happens, an impact would occur on the Southern Hemisphere. The researchers said this impact would threaten satellites in low-Earth orbit for days or up to a few months, and send a fraction of the ejecta toward Earth. 3 The current impact corridor for 2024 YR4 (yellow) projected on a map of the Moonâs near side from Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. Any lunar debris that makes it within Earth's atmosphere could create a meteor shower event over the planet. 'The resulting meteor shower could last a few days and be spectacular, though the number of visible meteors somewhat muted by the low entry speed of ejecta,' the research team said. With more than 10,000 active satellites in low-Earth orbit and more than 25,000 pieces of space junk, researchers believe an asteroid strike to the Moon could spell trouble for satellite operators. 3 On March 26, 2025, NASAâs James Webb Space Telescope captured images of asteroid 2024 YR4 that indicate the asteroid is about the size of a 15-story building. NASA '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,' the study authors wrote. 'Such impacts may damage satellites, but are small enough to generally not end active missions or cause breakups.' The researchers say material from the Moon could be a 'serious hazard to moon-orbiting spacecraft' such as NASA's Lunar Gateway, a planned orbiting station for astronauts, and an 'even greater danger' to any lunar surface operations. Asteroid 2024 YR4 has moved behind the Sun, limiting any new observations until 2028. Scientists say those new observations in a few years will help improve lunar impact predictions.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Potential asteroid impact on Moon in 2032 could trigger massive meteor shower on Earth
What happens if an asteroid the size of a 15-story building crashes into the Moon in 2032? While the chances of the newly discovered asteroid 2024 YR4 hitting the Moon in seven years are slim – there is currently a 96% chance it won't happen – an impact of this size would not come without consequences for the Moon, astronauts and spacecraft orbiting Earth. A new study submitted for review by scientists with the University of Western Ontario and Athabasca University in Canada took observations from the James Webb Space Telescope of asteroid 2024 YR4 and used simulations to show how much lunar debris would be ejected out into space, sending pieces of the Moon toward Earth. Odds Of Asteroid 2024 Yr4 Hitting The Moon Go Up Again After its initial discovery late last year, the asteroid appeared to have a small chance of impacting Earth, warranting international attention, and jumping to the highest asteroid threat ever given on the Torino Impact Hazard Scale. By February, more ground-based observations of the asteroid helped clear the threat to Earth, but the Moon still faces a possible impact. Earlier this year, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope helped scientists determine that the asteroid is between 175 and 220 feet in diameter. If Asteroid 2024 YR4 crashes into the Moon, it would create a crater more than half a mile in diameter (1 km), becoming the largest impact in about 5,000 years, according to the study. Current calculations show, if it happens, an impact would occur on the Southern Hemisphere. The researchers said this impact would threaten satellites in low-Earth orbit for days or up to a few months, and send a fraction of the ejecta toward Earth. Any lunar debris that makes it within Earth's atmosphere could create a meteor shower event over the planet. "The resulting meteor shower could last a few days and be spectacular, though the number of visible meteors somewhat muted by the low entry speed of ejecta," the research team said. With more than 10,000 active satellites in low-Earth orbit and more than 25,000 pieces of space junk, researchers believe an asteroid strike to the Moon could spell trouble for satellite operators. "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," the study authors wrote. "Such impacts may damage satellites, but are small enough to generally not end active missions or cause breakups." The researchers say material from the Moon could be a "serious hazard to moon-orbiting spacecraft" such as NASA's Lunar Gateway, a planned orbiting station for astronauts, and an "even greater danger" to any lunar surface operations. Asteroid 2024 YR4 has moved behind the Sun, limiting any new observations until 2028. Scientists say those new observations in a few years will help improve lunar impact article source: Potential asteroid impact on Moon in 2032 could trigger massive meteor shower on Earth Solve the daily Crossword
Newsweek
19 hours ago
- Science
- Newsweek
Moon-hitting Asteroid Could Cause Special Meteor Shower
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. An extraordinary celestial event could unfold in the night sky in less than a decade if an asteroid passing Earth collides with the Moon. The impact of asteroid 2024 YR4 into the lunar surface would likely send debris flying out towards us, resulting in a unique meteor shower composed entirely of moon dust. This intriguing prospect is the subject of recent study by researchers from the University of Western Ontario, Athabasca University and the Institute for Earth and Space Exploration (IESX). The team estimate that 2024 YR4—which is some 200 feet in diameter—has around a four percent chance of impacting the moon on December 22, 2032. Should the collision occur, the energy released would be substantial—equivalent to 6.5 megatons of TNT. Such an impact would to excavate a massive crater out of the lunar surface, one more than half a mile in diameter. An asteroid near a planet. An asteroid near a planet.A Meteor Shower of Moondust The most fascinating consequence of the 2024 YR4's collision with the Moon for Earth would be the creation of a moondust meteor storm. The impact would release a significant amount of lunar material, a portion of portion of which might travel towards our planet. According to the researchers, "as much as 10 percent of this material may accrete to the Earth on timescales of a few days," depending on the exact location of the impact on the Moon's surface. The moondust blasted at Earth's would differ significantly from typical meteors, the team explain. Firstly, the dust would enter Earth's upper atmosphere at the relatively slow speed of approximately seven miles per second; this is considerably slower than well-known showers like the Perseids, which travel at around 37 miles per second. As a result, these lunar meteors would likely appear dimmer and more prolonged than standard "shooting stars"—but they could still be visible to the naked eye, and in substantial numbers. Simulations by the researchers suggest that this unique storm could continue for several days. What makes this event truly remarkable is the prospect that nearly every visible meteor during such a shower would be an actual fragment of the Moon. Historical Significance and Concerns If asteroid 2024 YR4 does strike in 2032, it would be a rare historical event, the researchers note. "If 2024 YR4 strikes the Moon in 2032, it will (statistically speaking) be the largest impact in approximately 5,000 years," they wrote in their paper. Beyond the spectacular sight, though, the potential impact also raises concerns for planetary defense and space operations. The researchers noted that the "impacts on the Moon may generate particles which can interfere with Low Earth orbiting satellites," often used for communication, Earth observation and research. Astronomers will have a clearer picture of asteroid 2024 YR4's trajectory in 2028 when it clears the sun and becomes observable again, allowing for updated calculations on its likelihood of impact. Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about asteroids? Let us know via science@ Reference Wiegert, P., Brown, P., Lopes, J., & Connors, M. (2025). The potential danger to satellites due to ejecta from a 2032 lunar impact by asteroid 2024 YR4. arXiv.
Forbes
24-06-2025
- Science
- Forbes
Asteroid May Hit Satellites And Cause Spectacular Shooting Stars — What To Know
A potential asteroid strike on the moon calculated by NASA could also pose a significant risk to satellites orbiting Earth, according to new research. Scheduled for a possible collision on December 22, 2032, asteroid 2024 YR4's diameter is equivalent to a 10-story building and would cause a new crater on the moon, ejecting material into space that could threaten the entire satellite fleet orbiting Earth. It could also cause a brief but spectacular meteor shower visible from Earth. Asteroid 2024 YR4 is 174-220 feet (53-67 meters) in diameter and could impact the moon on December ... More 22, 2032. (This artist's impression not related to YR4) getty Dubbed a 'city killer' when it was initially thought to be heading towards Earth, asteroid 2024 YR4 is 174-220 feet (53-67 meters) in diameter and could impact the moon on December 22, 2032. In that scenario, it would release energy equivalent to 6.5 megatons of TNT, forming a crater roughly one kilometer in diameter, according to a new paper published on June 12 on the preprint platform and submitted to the journals of the American Astronomical Society. According to the authors at The University of Western Ontario and Athabasca University in Canada, up to 100 million kilograms of lunar material could be blasted into space, with debris potentially escaping the moon's gravity and heading toward Earth. Satellites in low Earth orbit — which accounts for about 90% of the global fleet — will be particularly at risk, with hundreds or even thousands of minor impacts across fleets like SpaceX's Starlink broadband internet constellation. That would happen within a few days of YR4 striking the moon. Tiny meteoroids are constantly striking satellites, and with ejecta from YR4's impact measuring only 0.1-10 mm in size, satellites wouldn't suffer catastrophic damage. However, the huge increase in tiny meteoroids could be equivalent to a decade's worth, rapidly aging the entire satellite fleet. Debris could linger in Earth's orbit for months to years, creating ongoing threats to long-duration missions, such as the James Webb Space Telescope. However, its current position at L2 — a million miles from Earth — minimizes that danger. While ejecta from a lunar asteroid strike could be damaging to satellites, it would burn up in Earth's atmosphere, so it won't directly threaten Earth. However, it may create a brief but spectacular meteor shower. There is currently a 4.3% chance of YR4 striking the moon, according to calculations based on observations by the James Webb Space Telescope in May, according to a post from NASA. That's an increase from 3.8% from data gathered in March. It's predicted to strike the Southern Hemisphere of the moon's near-side. That means it will be visible from Earth in telescopes. However, exactly where it will strike remains uncertain until the asteroid becomes visible again in 2028 when its orbit next brings it relatively close to Earth. The authors recommend a planetary defense mission to change the orbit of YR4. Danger On The Moon Although satellites would be threatened, the biggest dangers lie on the moon and in its orbit. An asteroid strike would cause ejecta to impact a wide area of the lunar surface, potentially threatening astronauts or a potential lunar base. Spacecraft operating on the moon would also be in danger. They currently include NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, while NASA's planned Lunar Gateway could be in orbit by 2032. On Wednesday, Firefly Aerospace announced plans to launch a new lunar imaging service called Ocula using its Elytra spacecraft, ostensibly to help commercial companies identify mineral deposits on the moon's surface and map future landing sites. Yr4's 'spectacular' Meteor Shower About 10% of the ejecta produced by the asteroid striking the moon would be propelled into space, potentially causing a meteor shower that "could last a few days and be spectacular, though the number of visible meteors somewhat muted by the low entry speed of ejecta," reads the paper. Any YR4 meteor shower would come just eight days after the peak of the Geminids, one of the very few annual displays caused by debris from an asteroid rather than a comet. Peaking on December 13-14 each year when up to 12 "shooting stars" can be seen, the Geminids are the result of asteroid 3200 Phaethon, which orbits the sun every 1.4 Earth years. Forbes NASA's Webb Telescope To Study Asteroid 2024 YR4 As Impact Risk Rises By Jamie Carter Forbes 'City Killer' Asteroid Suddenly Declared Safe — What To Know By Jamie Carter Forbes What Happens If Asteroid 2024 YR4 Strikes Earth — And Why We Can't 'Nuke' It By Jamie Carter
CBC
08-06-2025
- General
- CBC
'Such a feeling of accomplishment': new Athabasca University grad keeps mind sharp at 76 years old
New 76-year-old Athabasca University graduate Judy Obee wants to prove aging is no reason to slow down. The Calgary senior is the oldest member of the school's class of 2025, and she completed her program with straight As to boot. "It's such a feeling of accomplishment," said Obee, who convocated with a bachelor's degree in general studies on Friday. Obee started her post-secondary studies over half a century ago, earning a mathematics degree from the University of Calgary in 1970. But graduating in her golden years makes her feel "much prouder" the second time around, she said. "I was excited then, but not nearly as excited as I am now," said Obee on graduating again 55 years later. Fighting stigmas around aging Obee enrolled at Athabasca University in 2018 with a clear goal in mind: staying sharp. "My parents both lived past 90, but both suffered from dementia," she said. "I wanted to prevent that." Completing puzzle games like Sudoku and Wordle was part of Obee's strategy to fortify her mind, but she found they weren't challenging enough, so she decided to pursue post-secondary studies again. "I would study whenever I had some time to study, and it's been phenomenal. I love it," she said of the program, through which she took online classes. Obee hopes that her accomplishment helps fight stigmas around seniors and aging. "You hear so many stories about seniors … their mental capacities are declining, you've got mild cognitive impairment … all you hear is negatives about seniors," she said. "[But] you can do stuff, you can show that you are cognitively there." Never too late to learn She's not slowing down on her educational journey anytime soon, as she plans to stay enrolled at Athabasca University past her convocation. She added that aging shouldn't be a barrier to learning. "If you don't start now, when are you going to start? You can do it, it's not a skill that gets really lost from when you were younger," she said. Alex Clark, president of Athabasca University, applauded Obee for her accomplishment. "I think it's inspiring for us all. She really is a role model," he said. "It's never too late in our life journey to continue to learn." Athabasca University's oldest graduate in its history was Louise Daley, who graduated with a general studies degree in 2017 at the age of 93.
