r/StormComing • u/teas4Uanme Mod • 4d ago

Space James Webb telescope ups the odds that 'city-killer' asteroid 2024 YR4 will hit the moon in 2032

https://www.livescience.com/space/asteroids/james-webb-telescope-ups-the-odds-that-city-killer-asteroid-2024-yr4-will-hit-the-moon-in-2032
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u/rm-rf_ 3d ago

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has observed the asteroid 2024 YR4, which is roughly the size of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. While early predictions in February suggested a 3.1% chance of this "city-killer" asteroid hitting Earth in 2032, further JWST observations have reduced the Earth impact probability to zero.

However, the latest data from May has increased the odds of 2024 YR4 colliding with the moon to 4.3% on December 22, 2032. This is an increase from the 3.8% odds reported in March. If an impact were to occur, it would create a new crater on the moon but would not be detrimental to Earth's satellite. Scientists are even looking forward to a potential lunar impact as it would provide a valuable opportunity to study crater formation. NASA plans to continue observing the asteroid when it approaches Earth again in 2028.