By Dean Murray
Space scientists have determined the form of the an asteroid scheduled to collide with the Moon .
Astronomers said the house-sized asteroid 2024 YR4 is shaped similar to a hockey puck and concluded where it came from.
The celestial object was first identified in December and was initially thought to possibly collide with Earth on December 22, 2032.
Upon further examination, the likelihood of an Earth impact fell below 1% towards the end of February and is now considered not risky anymore.
However, experts at NASA’s Center for Studying Nearby Celestial Objects Scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory have revised the likelihood of the 2024 YR4 asteroid hitting the Moon from 1.7% to 3.8%. This update was made using data collected by the James Webb Space Telescope as well as observations from terrestrial observatories.
Utilizing data gathered by the Gemini South telescope in Chile, which is managed by NSF NOIRLab, scientists have developed a novel 3D model of celestial body 2024 YR4.
The group of astronomers, headed by Bryce Bolin, who is the primary author of the upcoming paper, The Astrophysical Journal Letters They utilized the telescope to obtain pictures of it across various distinct wavelengths.
A thorough examination of the asteroid’s light curve – the variation of its brightness over time – enabled the researchers to ascertain its makeup, orbital properties, and three-dimensional form.
The group concluded that this oddly-shaped rock ranks among the most substantial objects identified recently with potential to collide with the Moon. It probably came from the primary asteroid belt. The way it reflects light indicates that its size is roughly between 30–65 meters (98–213 feet) in diameter.
The examination also showed that the asteroid spins quickly with a rotation period of about once every 20 minutes, along with an odd frisbee-esque form.
Bryce Bolin stated, "This discovery came as quite a surprise because most asteroids are believed to have shapes similar to potatoes or spinning tops instead of being flat discs."
Given these orbital traits, the group concluded that 2024 YR4 probably came from the primary asteroid belt and has a strong chance of having been deflected into its present near-Earth path through gravitational interactions with Jupiter.
The asteroid's backward rotation indicates it might have moved closer from the main belt area, enhancing our knowledge about the evolution of smaller space rocks and their journey towards orbits that cross Earth’s path.
Bryce Bolin stated: "We are somewhat astonished by its source in the central main asteroid belt, a region within the asteroid belt where we didn’t expect numerous Earth-approaching asteroids to come from."
Our findings from the Gemini South telescope were essential for piecing together information about 2024 YR4's properties. Examining this asteroid played a critical role in comprehending the group of near-Earth objects that could potentially collide with our planet but remain inadequately studied.
Martin Still, who serves as the NSF program director for the International Gemini Observatory , added: "Grasping the characteristics and sources of near-Earth asteroids is essential for comprehending the danger posed by potential collisions with our planet from celestial objects sharing intersecting orbital paths."
The Gemini telescopes and other astronomical observatories serve as crucial instruments for protecting our planet.
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