tech
New data shows asteroid 2024 YR4 will narrowly miss the moon
The possibility that a huge space rock — once deemed the riskiest asteroid ever observed — could hit the moon now appears to be off the table.
TL;DR
- Asteroid 2024 YR4, initially thought to have a chance of impacting Earth or the moon, is now confirmed to miss the moon.
- The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) was used to make precise observations of the asteroid's trajectory.
- Astronomers Andy Rivkin and Julien de Wit developed new techniques to detect the faint asteroid with JWST.
- YR4 will pass the moon at a distance of 14,229 miles (22,900 kilometers).
- The successful observation highlights JWST's potential for planetary defense.