A Looming Threat from Space

A colossal asteroid, ominously dubbed the "city killer," is shifting its focus from Earth to the Moon. Discovered in 2024, asteroid 2024 YR4, comparable in size to a 10-story building, now has a 4.3% chance of colliding with the Moon by the year 2032, according to NASA's Center for Near Earth Object Studies.

Potential Catastrophic Consequences

Experts are raising alarms about the potential devastation that could ensue if YR4 strikes the lunar surface. The impact might unleash energy comparable to a nuclear blast, potentially sparking a meteor shower that could endanger numerous satellites orbiting our planet.

Astrophysicist Brad Tucker from the Australian National University emphasizes the importance of paying attention to this event: "While the odds have shifted from Earth to the Moon, a nearly 1 in 25 chance is significant enough to warrant concern."

Debris Could Hit Earth!

The aftershocks of a lunar impact could extend beyond the Moon's surface. Concerns have been raised about debris generated by the collision possibly reaching Earth’s atmosphere, posing a risk to essential satellites.

"While it's unlikely that any debris would hit the ground, the potential for it to collide with our satellites poses serious concerns," Sky Australia reported. The debris could even result in a disrupted orbit, creating its own dangerous ring around our planet.

Risks to Global Systems

Tucker warns that if such debris is blasted into space, the odds of satellite collisions could increase dramatically, creating catastrophic consequences for global communications, navigation systems, financial markets, and military operations.

When Will We Know More?

Currently, NASA is unable to track YR4 as it remains too far away for both ground-based and space telescopes. However, scientists expect that it will come within observation range in 2028 as it orbits closer to Earth. It's believed that the gravitational pull of Jupiter may have influenced its current path.

A Historic Impact?

Recent infrared observations taken by the James Webb Space Telescope indicate that YR4 measures between 174 and 220 feet (53 to 67 meters). If the asteroid impacts the Moon, it could mark the largest celestial object to collide with it in nearly five millennia, posing a significant threat to any operational space stations or satellites in the vicinity.