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last mo.

NASA Rules Out Earth Impact From Asteroid 2024 YR4, Moon Remains at Slight Risk

Updated calculations show Earth is safe from the asteroid’s path in 2032, but there is still a small chance of a lunar collision.

Image
Image
A cloud passes in front of a full moon on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024 in Houston. NASA scientists are still studying the potential impact of asteroid 2024 YR4 on the moon after an Earth impact was ruled out. 
This is a NASA photograph of a nearly full moon taken from the Apollo 8 spacecraft. NASA scientists are still studying the potential impact of asteroid 2024 YR4 on the moon after an Earth impact was ruled out. 

Overview

  • NASA’s latest data shows a 0.004% chance of Asteroid 2024 YR4 impacting Earth in 2032, down from earlier estimates exceeding 3%.
  • The moon remains in the asteroid’s uncertainty region, with a 1.5% chance of impact, which could create a significant lunar crater.
  • Asteroid 2024 YR4, discovered in December 2024, measures between 130 to 300 feet and will be studied further using the James Webb Space Telescope.
  • NASA plans to enhance asteroid detection with the Near-Earth Object Surveyor, set to launch in 2027, providing advanced infrared capabilities to track space objects.
  • The asteroid’s potential impact highlights the importance of planetary defense efforts, including NASA’s DART mission, which successfully demonstrated asteroid deflection in 2022.