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u/darwinpatrick

r/MapPorn

Asteroid 2024 YR4 currently has a 4% chance of hitting the moon in 2032- here's where the impact would be visible from on Earth. [OC]

The timing of the hypothetical impact of 2024 YR4 on the moon is known to within minutes. A nearside impact is much more likely than a farside one, and would absolutely be visible with small telescopes. The resulting explosion of the 22 million ton asteroid would provide massive scientific returns, not only on the structure and character of the subsurface, but through seismic observation the deep interior as well and studies of the fresh kilometer-scale crater. An estimated 100,000 tons of material would leave the moon, much of it remaining in cislunar space for months or years. The global meteor showers can be expected to be terrific, though would pose a hazard to satellites. In the astrophysics world, 4.3 percent is remarkably high. By 2028, we'll have much more refined data and should be able to confirm or rule out a lunar impact. Everywhere in the circle will be able to see the moon at the impact time, and everywhere in the darker portion will be able to see it at night.

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February 7, 2026 at 9:38 PM84 upvotes10 commentsView on Reddit