You have surely heard of the asteroid 2024 YR4 asteroid. Discovered in December 2024, this asteroid had a risk of impact with the earth high enough to trigger the surveillance of the International Network of Asteroid Alert (IAWN) and the Space Mission Planning Advisory Group (SMPAG).
In February 2025, the risk of asteroid impact with the earth in 2032 rose from 0.3 % to 2 %, which sparked more increased monitoring. If necessary, IAWN and SMPAG can take emergency measures to divert asteroids from their trajectory.
The 2024 YR4 asteroid should not touch the earth, but rather the moon
Astronomers therefore took the threat of the asteroid 2024 YR4 seriously. Finally, in -depth observations revised downwards the risk of impact with our planet. Today, the risk of collision is almost zero.
From now on, the asteroid is likely to hit the moon than the earth. The risk of impact is currently 3.8 %. Even if it affects our natural satellite, NASA has already said that this has no risk for its orbit.
In any case, he will still pass close to our planet by turning around the sun. Astronomers therefore do not lose an opportunity to be able to observe it when possible.
An asteroid that looks like a giant hockey puck
At the Gemini South Observatory in Chile, a team of astronomers was able to observe the Asteroid 2024 YR4 in several wavelengths when it moved from the earth in February. These observations made it possible to create a 3D image of the asteroid.
Contrary to what we expected, the asteroid looks like a flat disc, a bit like a kind of hockey puck. Astronomers were all the more surprised as asteroids generally have the shape of a potato.
In addition, the asteroid 2024 YR4 has a rapid rotation speed. It only takes about 20 minutes to take an entire turn on itself.
An “unexpected discovery” for scientists
As Bryce Bolin by Eureka Scientific explains, “this discovery was rather unexpected since we think that most asteroids have the shape of potatoes or toupies rather than flat discs”.
Asteroid 2024 YR4 is about 60 meters in diameter. The scientists it comes from the asteroid belt located between Mars and Jupiter. It is therefore mainly composed of silicate minerals like most asteroids in this belt.
The James Webb space telescope will be responsible for monitoring the asteroid 2024 YR4
This celestial body will soon be too far from the earth to be seen by the terrestrial telescopes. It only passes near the earth every four years. The James Webb space telescope will therefore take over to continue monitoring it.
An asteroid such as it is nicknamed “City Killer” or “cities killer” because of its size and its potential for mass destruction. Astronomers therefore do not leave him respite. They constantly monitor its trajectory in order to recalculate the risk of impact, if necessary.
With an unwavering passion for local news, Christopher leads our editorial team with integrity and dedication. With over 20 years’ experience, he is the backbone of Wouldsayso, ensuring that we stay true to our mission to inform.
