On December 27, 2024, astronomers discovered asteroid 2024 YR4. After its discovery, scientists began to track its movement to learn if it stands a chance of hitting Earth anytime soon. Weeks of study enabled astronomers to understand that the city-destroyer asteroid stands a 2.3% chance of impacting Earth in the year 2032.
While many scientists are curious to learn more about the dangers posed by asteroid 2024 YR4, some researchers study the possibility of the asteroid hitting the moon instead of us. A team of NASA scientists announced on Feb, 7, that asteroid 2024 YR4 stands a smaller chances of crashing into the moon instead of Earth.
While previous studies suggest that the city-destroyer asteroid stands a 1.2% chance of hitting Earth, the latest study conducted by NASA scientists increased that number to a 2.3% chance of the asteroid hitting Earth on Dec. 22, 2032.
So, should we be worried about this asteroid hitting Earth and wiping out an entire city? Well, let’s look at the hazardous nature of the asteroid before concluding.
Why City-Destroyer asteroid 2024 YR4 could cause a devastating impact on Earth
Asteroid 2024 YR4 is estimated to be about 180 feet (55 meters) in diameter. This implies that it could be as wide as the height of the Walt Disney World’s Cinderella Castle. Asteroid 2024 YR4 is also moving at approximately 30,000 mph (48,000 kph).
Comparing this asteroid to other potentially hazardous asteroids, you will see that it is quite small. However, despite its small size, asteroid 2024 YR4 is large enough to wipe out entire major city, if it ever crashes into Earth.
Hence, it cannot end the human race entirely. But its devastating impact could cause serious harm to our planet. Scientists suggest that if the asteroid eventually collides with Earth, it could release nearly 8 megatons of energy and immediately impact our planet.
This massive energy is 500 times greater than the energy released by the Hiroshima atomic bomb. However, the latest discovery is now suggesting that the city-destroyer asteroid may likely hit the moon instead of us.
Why Scientists thinks that the City Destroyer Asteroid Could Hit The Moon Instead Of Us
David Rankin, working as an operations engineer at the University of Arizona’s Catalina Sky Survey suggests that if the asteroid eventually hits the moon, the impact will be visible to us. He also noted that the asteroid has a 0.3% chance of hitting the moon.
But if it does hit the moon, Earthlings will still be safe. Rankin also said that if the impact on the moon occurs, some debris from the asteroid could potentially hit the Earth. However, the tiny debris will not cause any major threat to us.
He further, revealed that the city-destroyer asteroid could release more energy than 340 Hiroshima bombs upon impact. Gareth Collins, a professor at Imperial College London suggests that Earth will be safe if the impact occurs on the moon.
The moon is already used to receiving numerous asteroid impacts throughout its history. Hence, a city-destroyer asteroid like the asteroid 2024 YR4 will not destroy the moon. But instead, create a new crater on the lunar surface.
