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Lunar surface may take a direct hit from incoming asteroid

CNN · Less Recent
CNN
CNN
Less Recent

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
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