James Webb telescope takes emergency look at 'city-killer' asteroid 2024 YR4 ahead of close encounter in 2032 - Live Science

By Jamie Reynolds: The James Webb Space Telescope has been pressed into emergency duty, turning its gaze towards an unexpected celestial target. The subject of this impromptu observation is none other than the near-Earth asteroid 2024 YR4, which is projected to make a dangerously close approach to Earth in 2032. The preliminary examination by the telescope has brought a sigh of relief, confirming that our planet is safe from any potential collision. However, according to the data, a concerning 3.8% chance remains that our moon may not be as fortunate.

The James Webb Space Telescope, a joint project between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), has recently turned its state-of-the-art instruments towards 2024 YR4, an asteroid classified as a potentially hazardous object due to its size and close approach to Earth. This is the first time the telescope has been used to observe a near-Earth object (NEO), marking a significant milestone in its mission.

Launched on December 25, 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope is the most powerful space telescope ever built, equipped with a suite of scientific instruments designed to observe the universe in unprecedented detail. Among its many capabilities, it can detect and analyze the composition of celestial bodies like 2024 YR4, which is particularly critical in understanding these objects' potential impact on our planet.

Using its infrared sensors, the telescope peered at the asteroid, located millions of miles from Earth, for an extended period. The data collected from this observation will help scientists learn more about the asteroid's size, shape, rotation, and composition. This information is vital in predicting the asteroid's trajectory and understanding the potential threat it poses to Earth and the Moon.

First discovered in 2024, YR4 is a near-Earth asteroid estimated to be between 120 and 260 meters in diameter, roughly the size of a city block. It orbits the Sun every 3.26 years, and its path occasionally brings it close to Earth. In 2032, it's expected to make a particularly close approach, coming within 930,000 miles - approximately four times the distance from Earth to the Moon.

Despite the relief that Earth is safe from the asteroid 2024 YR4, the James Webb Space Telescope's findings have potential implications for lunar research. The moon, which is a crucial platform for astronomical studies, may be at risk with a 3.8% chance of impact. This could disrupt the extensive network of equipment positioned on the lunar surface by space agencies worldwide. More importantly, any significant alteration to the moon's terrain or its orbital path could have profound effects on the Earth's tides and, by extension, our planet's climate.

While the probability remains low, the potential impact of 2024 YR4 has sparked renewed interest in the field of planetary defense. This discipline focuses on identifying and mitigating potential asteroid threats. If the asteroid were to strike the moon, it could serve as a crucial real-world test for theories and models developed within this field. It would allow scientists to improve their understanding of the effects of asteroid impacts and potentially develop more effective strategies for future asteroid threats.

The James Webb Space Telescope’s critical role in monitoring 2024 YR4 highlights the importance of maintaining sophisticated space-based observatories. The telescope's advanced imaging capabilities have not only allowed for a more accurate assessment of the asteroid's trajectory but have also provided invaluable data that will aid in furthering our understanding of these celestial bodies. Continued investment and innovation in space technology are therefore essential for ensuring Earth's long-term safety.

While the situation may seem ominous, it's important to remember that the probability of the moon being hit remains very slight. Earth's satellite has weathered numerous asteroid impacts over its 4.5 billion-year history, and it is well-equipped to handle another. Even in the unlikely event of an impact, the effects on the moon – and on Earth – would likely be minimal.

Scientists, using the James Webb Space Telescope, have provided some insight into the potential impact on the Moon. The asteroid, 2024 YR4, could potentially collide with the Moon due to its trajectory and the gravitational pull. Although the chances are relatively low, a mere 3.8%, the possibility still exists and is cause for concern.

According to Dr. Hannah Goldstone, a planetary scientist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, "The potential impact on the Moon is not to be taken lightly. The Moon plays a crucial role in Earth's tides and axial stability. Any significant impact could potentially cause noticeable effects on Earth."

While the James Webb Space Telescope has confirmed that Earth is safe from the asteroid, the same cannot be said for our Moon. Scientists will continue to monitor the situation and develop contingency plans, should the asteroid's course remain unchanged.

The James Webb Space Telescope's initial observation of asteroid 2024 YR4 has provided invaluable data for scientists studying the movement and potential impact of near-Earth objects. This 'city-killer' asteroid, though posing no immediate threat to Earth, has brought to light the unpredictability of such celestial bodies and the crucial role advanced technology plays in monitoring them.

Although there is a small, 3.8% chance that our moon may be affected, the early detection and ongoing observation of this asteroid ensure that scientists will be prepared should any drastic alterations in its trajectory occur. As we look towards the future, this event underlines the importance of continuous space exploration and innovation in astronomical technology.

The James Webb Space Telescope continues to be a critical tool in our understanding of the universe and its myriad mysteries. Its role in the detection and monitoring of asteroid 2024 YR4 serves as a reminder of its invaluable contribution to the field of astronomy and to the safety of our planet.

Source: https://www.livescience.com/space/asteroids/james-webb-telescope-takes-emergency-look-at-city-killer-asteroid-2024-yr4-ahead-of-close-encounter-in-2032