Will asteroid 2024 YR4 hit the moon in 2032?
The question of whether asteroid 2024 YR4 poses a threat to the moon has been definitively answered: it will not. NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has confirmed that the asteroid will pass by the moon at a safe distance of 13,200 miles (21,200 kilometers) on December 22, 2032.
Previously, the chances of a lunar impact from asteroid 2024 YR4 were estimated at 4.3%. However, recent observations have reduced this risk to zero, providing reassurance to astronomers and space agencies alike.
Asteroid 2024 YR4 was discovered in late 2024 by the ATLAS network, which monitors near-Earth objects. If it were to hit Earth, it could unleash energy equivalent to 500 Hiroshima bombs, highlighting the importance of tracking such celestial bodies.
The moon itself has a well-documented cycle, taking approximately 29.5 days to complete its phases. As of March 5, 2026, the moon will be in the Waning Gibbous phase, with 96% of its surface illuminated, according to NASA’s Daily Moon Guide.
The next Full Moon is predicted to occur on April 1, 2026, further emphasizing the ongoing interest in lunar observations and events.
In summary, the confirmation that asteroid 2024 YR4 will not impact the moon is a significant relief for scientists and space enthusiasts. The ongoing monitoring of such asteroids remains crucial for planetary defense.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any future observations or potential changes in the asteroid’s trajectory, but for now, the moon is safe from this particular threat.
