The asteroid known as 2024 YR4, a building-sized object that initially appeared to be on a potential collision course with Earth, is now moving beyond the reach of telescopes on its orbit around the sun. However, its revised trajectory is drawing attention to another possible target: the moon.
Breakdown
- Asteroid 2024 YR4 has a 4% chance of hitting the moon, but poses no risk to Earth. 20s
- If it strikes, the asteroid could create a mile-wide crater on the lunar surface. 9s
- The next opportunity to observe the asteroid will likely be in several years due to its current position relative to the sun. 33s
- A visible impact could produce a bright flash and a meteor shower in Earth's atmosphere. 52s
- The event could affect satellites and pose risks to astronauts on lunar missions. 1m 7s