NASA: Asteroid 2024 YR4 Could Hit the Moon in 2032, Not Earth
NASA has confirmed that asteroid 2024 YR4, which sparked concern in late 2024 over a potential Earth impact, is now being monitored for a possible collision with the Moon in 2032. While the odds remain low, the asteroid’s probability of impacting the Moon has increased slightly from 3.8% to 4.3%, based on refined trajectory data. 🪨 What Is Asteroid 2024 YR4? 📅 Potential Moon Impact: December 22, 2032 Using data from JWST, scientists at NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) have narrowed down the asteroid’s orbit with 20% greater precision. The projected flyby date of December 22, 2032, carries a slim chance of the asteroid striking the Moon — but no threat to Earth is currently predicted. NASA emphasized that: “Even if an impact occurs, it would not affect the Moon’s orbit or pose a threat to Earth.” 🔭 Astronomers Weigh In Pawan Kumar, an astronomer and former researcher at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, echoed NASA’s calm assessment: “The Moon is safe. Even if there’s a collision, the debris would pose no threat to Earth. Any fragments reaching near-Earth space would disintegrate in our atmosphere.” 🌍 Was 2024 YR4 Ever a Threat to Earth? Yes — briefly. In late 2024, there were early concerns that YR4 might pose a small threat to Earth. But further observations ruled out any significant impact risk, shifting attention to its proximity to the Moon instead. 🔭 What Happens Next? 📷 Webb’s Historic Observation “The @ESA_Webb space telescope has spotted asteroid 2024 YR4!”“Webb’s observations indicate that the asteroid measures roughly 60 m across, making it the smallest object targeted by Webb to date.”— ESA Operations, April 2, 2025 This marks a milestone for the James Webb Space Telescope, showcasing its ability to detect and track even small moving objects deep in space. 🧠 Bottom Line Stay tuned — the next significant tracking update is expected closer to the mid-2030 window.
