Asteroid resembling hockey puck found to be a potential moon threat

In early April 2025, scientists made new observations of asteroid 2024 YR4, which first gained attention when it was discovered in December 2024. This nearly 60-meter rock, which was initially thought to pose a collision risk to Earth, has been found to have a unique hockey puck shape rather than the more common potato-like appearance of most asteroids. The findings emerged from extensive studies conducted by astronomers at the Gemini South Observatory in Chile and the Keck Observatory in Hawaii. These observations provided insights into the asteroid's physical properties and its potential origin in the main asteroid belt. The peculiar characteristics of 2024 YR4 include its flattened shape and a rapid rotation rate of approximately 20 minutes per spin. Scientists, led by Bryce Bolin from Eureka Scientific, expressed surprise at the asteroid's shape, given that typically asteroids are thought to have irregular forms. Additionally, the observations indicated that the asteroid is rich in silicates, suggesting that it might have originated from a larger rubble-pile asteroid in the main asteroid belt. Previously, there were concerns regarding its trajectory, with earlier predictions indicating a 3% chance of collision with Earth in 2032, which has since been reduced to negligible risk. The asteroid's potential impact on the moon has garnered interest, as there is now a 3.8% chance of it colliding with our natural satellite instead. NASA has assured the public that if this collision occurs, it would not alter the moon's orbit. Researchers are keen to study the potential crater formation that 2024 YR4 could produce if it strikes the moon. Such investigations are essential to gather knowledge on the risks associated with asteroids crossing Earth's orbit. Furthermore, the observations made during this period contribute valuable data for future planetary defense efforts. The idea is to enhance mitigation strategies for potentially hazardous asteroids that might come close to Earth. By analyzing the unique properties of 2024 YR4, astronomers aim to improve their understanding of how such asteroids behave and evolve over time. The findings also suggest that gravitational interactions with Jupiter likely played a role in pushing the asteroid into its current orbit. Scientists are eager to dig deeper into the asteroid's characteristics and implications for Earth's safety against asteroid impacts.