NASA shocker: Asteroid feared to strike Earth now on course to obliterate the Moon, scientists warn – The Economic Times

NASA shocker: Asteroid feared to strike Earth now on course to obliterate the Moon, scientists warn – The Economic Times
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NASA researchers have updated their estimates for asteroid 2024 YR4, which was previously thought to hit Earth. New estimates suggest that the space rock might crash into the Moon instead.

Although the danger to Earth has been averted, scientists are still monitoring the path of the asteroid, as there is still concern about a potential lunar impact. NASA has provided an update on the location and predictions of a concerning asteroid that is speeding through the universe.

Is there still a chance the asteroid will hit Earth?
No, NASA has ruled out an Earth impact in 2032, but the asteroid may strike the Moon instead.How powerful would an asteroid’s impact be?
If it had hit Earth, it could have emitted energy equivalent to 8 megatons of TNT, more than 500 times the Hiroshima bomb.

 

How is NASA tracking 2024 YR4?

However, scientists think there may be a possibility of impact on the lunar surface because of fresh observations made by NASA’s potent James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), as quoted in a report by The Daily Star.

In a research memo, an international team of astronomers stated, “An impact on Earth by 2024 YR4 on December 22, 2032, has now been ruled out, but it still has a non-zero probability of impacting the Moon at this time.