Archive · 26 Jun 2025
Asteroid Could Strike Moon in 2032, Creating Meteor Showers
In 2032, an asteroid named 2024 YR4 might hit the Moon.
Scientists say this could cause a big explosion on the Moon, making a giant hole.
The impact could send rocks and dust flying into space, some of which might reach Earth.
While we're safe on the ground, this could cause beautiful meteor showers.
Scientists are now thinking about how to protect us from space events like this, even those that happen far away.
Asteroid 2024 YR4 has a 4.3% chance of striking the Moon in 2032.
Initial data suggested a 3% Earth impact risk, now at 0.0017%.
A lunar impact could create a crater nearly a kilometer wide.
Millions of kilograms of lunar debris could be ejected into space.
Some debris could reach Earth, potentially impacting satellites.
- Who
- Asteroid 2024 YR4 and scientists.
- What
- Potential asteroid impact on the Moon.
- When
- Likely to happen in 2032.
- Where
- The Moon.
- Why
- To raise awareness of planetary defence.
- Asteroid Name
- 2024 YR4
- Earth Impact Risk
- 0.0017%
- Lunar Impact Chance
- 4.3%
- Estimated Crater Size
- Nearly a kilometer wide
- Lead Researcher
- Dr. Paul Wiegert