There is a chance, albeit slim, that asteroid 2024 YR4 could collide with the Moon, creating a new crater and an explosion that might be visible from Earth. This possibility was discussed by space experts in a New Scientist article, which estimated that the crater could measure anywhere from 500 to 2,000 meters in diameter. The Moon, unlike Earth, lacks an atmosphere, allowing asteroids to impact its surface without resistance.
The potential collision could result in an explosion 343 times more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. While the result of an impact by asteroid 2024 YR4 would not have the same catastrophic consequences as events depicted in the 1970s British science-fiction television series "Space 1999," it might still be visible from Earth.
The odds of the asteroid impacting Earth are already vanishingly small, with the last best guess being just over 2 percent in December 2032. The chances of the Moon being in the asteroid's path are even more remote. According to the New Scientist, there is a 0.3 percent chance that the Moon might take the hit. However, if it does occur, it will make for quite the show for anything in the right lunar orbit.
Scientists are currently utilizing the James Webb Space Telescope to refine estimates for the size and trajectory of asteroid 2024 YR4. Understanding the size of the asteroid is crucial for predicting the potential impact severity, and these observations will provide a more accurate estimate of the likelihood of Earth or the Moon facing an unwanted visitor.
Overall, while the chances of an impact are low, the scientific community remains vigilant in monitoring asteroid 2024 YR4, ensuring preparedness for any possible scenarios.
