NASA Confirms: Asteroid 2024 YR4 on Course to Strike Moon by 2032

Quick Summary

• Asteroid Identified: NASA confirmed that asteroid 2024 YR4,approximately the size of a 10-story building,may potentially impact the Moon in December 2032.
• Observation Details: The asteroid was previously too distant to observe but was detected using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Its orbit was further refined by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
• Impact Probability: Experts calculated a low chance of collision with the Moon, estimated at 3.8% to 4.3%.There is no risk to Earth or alteration of the Moon’s orbit.
• Expert Opinion: Astronomer Pawan Kumar stated that any debris from potential impact would not pose concerns for Earth as it would disintegrate upon entering Earth’s atmosphere.
• Monitoring Ongoing: NASA continues to track and study the asteroid’s orbital characteristics closely.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The monitoring and prediction efforts concerning asteroid 2024 YR4 highlight critically important advancements in space technology, particularly with instruments like JWST improving accuracy in tracking objects within our solar system. While its low probability of affecting celestial bodies reassures global safety concerns, this serves as a reminder about future risks posed by near-Earth objects (NEOs). For India specifically, developments like these emphasize opportunities for deeper investment in collaborative astronomical research and planetary defense initiatives with international players like NASA.india could leverage its growing space capabilities under ISRO’s framework to contribute more actively toward projects dedicated to monitoring NEOs or establishing contingency measures against similar threats.These investments align well with India’s scientific aspirations and broader goals within global space diplomacy.Read More