Asteroid 2024 YR4 Could Smash Into the Moon in 2032
NASA has confirmed that asteroid 2024 YR4, famously dubbed the 'city killer,' has a rising chance of colliding with the Moon on December 22, 2032. The odds? A not-so-comforting 4.3% — and that's after the latest precision tracking by the James Webb Space Telescope and ground observatories.
So, is Earth safe?
Thankfully, yes — at least from a direct hit. When 2024 YR4 first appeared on NASA's radar in late 2024, it was flagged as a potential Earth impactor. But after crunching the numbers, scientists have ruled out a planetary collision.
Still, an impact on the Moon could be a messy cosmic event with real consequences for Earth.
What happens if it slams into the Moon?
If the 60-meter-wide asteroid collides with the Moon, scientists predict it would unleash the energy of 6.5 megatons of TNT. That's enough to carve out a crater 1 kilometer wide and hurl up to 100 million kilograms of lunar dust into space.
Even more concerning? Some of that debris could rocket toward Earth, possibly damaging satellites and interrupting GPS, internet, and weather systems — not exactly great news for your weekend TikTok scroll or ride-share directions.
Where is the asteroid now?
NASA says 2024 YR4 is too far out to be tracked by most Earth-based telescopes. However, the James Webb Space Telescope managed to lock onto it one last time before it slipped into solar orbit, helping scientists sharpen its projected path by nearly 20%.
That data is what nudged the lunar impact risk up from 3.8% to 4.3%.
Could satellites be in danger?
Absolutely. If the Moon gets hit, a storm of mini-meteors could be sent flying toward Earth. That means trouble for man-made satellites — the unsung heroes managing everything from weather reports to food deliveries and late-night video calls.
When will we know more?
Astronomers will keep tracking the asteroid, with more accurate predictions expected by 2028, when 2024 YR4 makes another flyby near our planet.
Until then, stargazers can look forward to a potential once-in-a-decade lunar drama — and space agencies will be crossing their fingers that it's more fireworks show than orbital nightmare.
Stay tuned. The Moon might just have a date with destiny.
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