Asteroid 2024 YR4 on Track for Lunar Impact, NASA Confirms
WASHINGTON D.C. – NASA has detected asteroid 2024 YR4 on a potential collision course with the Moon, with scientists currently bracing for impact. The asteroid, estimated to be between 12 and 20 meters in diameter, is predicted to impact the lunar surface as early as October 25, 2024, at 7:02 UTC. While posing no threat to earth, the event presents a rare opportunity for scientific study.
The revelation, made by NASA’s Near-Earth Object (NEO) observations program, highlights the ongoing risk of impacts within the solar system. Asteroid 2024 YR4 was first observed on December 24, 2023, and subsequent tracking has refined the probability of impact, now considered highly likely. The predicted impact velocity is approximately 23,700 miles per hour (38,100 kilometers per hour).
“This is a notable event, not because of any danger to Earth, but because it allows us to observe a real-time impact on another celestial body,” explained Dr. Vishnu Reddy, a planetary scientist at the University of Arizona, in a statement.”The data gathered will be invaluable for understanding impact processes and refining our models for predicting future events.”
The impact is expected to create a new crater on the lunar surface, and the resulting ejecta plume could be visible from Earth-based telescopes. Scientists plan to utilize a network of observatories, including the NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), to study the event and its aftermath. LRO will be positioned to observe the impact site and document the formation of the new crater, providing detailed imagery and data on the ejected material.
This event underscores the importance of continued NEO monitoring and planetary defense efforts. NASA and other space agencies worldwide are actively tracking and cataloging near-Earth objects to assess potential risks and develop mitigation strategies. while a lunar impact is not a direct threat to our planet, it serves as a crucial learning experience for preparing for potential future asteroid encounters.
