Researchers have identified a 174-220 feet (53-67 meters) wide asteroid named 2024 YR4 that has a 4% chance of colliding with the Moon on December 22, 2032, according to the European Space Agency. Earlier concerns that the asteroid might impact Earth have been ruled out, with the probability of an Earth collision now near zero. If 2024 YR4 strikes the Moon, it could trigger a massive explosion, sending debris streaming toward Earth. This debris poses a threat to satellites, including Starlink satellites, and could create a spectacular meteor shower visible from Earth. Experts warn that up to 100,000 tons of lunar debris could be ejected, with approximately 10% potentially reaching Earth. Astronomers have used the James Webb Space Telescope for detailed observations, confirming the updated risk assessment. While the Moon itself would remain intact, the event would represent the most violent lunar collision in millennia and could disrupt satellite operations and pose hazards to space infrastructure.
Algo cae del cielo y nadie lo detiene: El fenómeno silencioso que está envenenando la Tierra https://t.co/USRXPQsNxY
Asteroides ‘invisíveis’ próximos de Vênus podem ameaçar a Terra no futuro https://t.co/6Qnh0rz5GH
Asteroides “invisíveis” próximos de Vênus podem ameaçar a Terra no futuro https://t.co/naZzKIxpyL