Frequently Asked Questions
Is asteroid 2024 YR4 going to hit Earth?+
No. NASA and ESA have both confirmed that asteroid 2024 YR4 poses zero risk of impacting Earth in 2032 or at any future date. Its orbit does not intersect with Earth's path.
Will asteroid 2024 YR4 hit the Moon?+
There is currently a ~4.3% probability that 2024 YR4 could impact the Moon on December 22, 2032. If it happens, it would be the most energetic lunar impact ever witnessed by humanity, creating a crater roughly 1 km wide.
How big is asteroid 2024 YR4?+
Asteroid 2024 YR4 is estimated to be approximately 40–100 metres in diameter, with a best estimate around 60 metres. That makes it roughly the size of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
When was asteroid 2024 YR4 discovered?+
It was discovered on December 27, 2024, by the ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) survey telescope located in Chile, which is funded by NASA.
What would happen if 2024 YR4 hit the Moon?+
A lunar impact would release energy equivalent to roughly 5 megatons of TNT, creating a fresh crater about 1 km across. The flash and debris cloud would be visible from Earth through binoculars or small telescopes. There would be no danger to Earth.