Washington: A new challenge has emerged for the moon. The US space agency NASA has warned that a giant asteroid, the size of a ten-story building, could hit the moon. The name of this asteroid is 2024 YR4, which was discovered by the James Webb Telescope in December last year. Earlier it was considered a threat to the Earth, but now scientists have their eyes on the moon. This news is not only important for space science, but it also raises the question that what will be its effect?
Increase in the possibility of danger
Initial estimates had a 3.1 percent chance of hitting the Earth in 2032. But the new data from the James Webb Telescope has changed the picture. Now the chance of hitting the moon has increased to 3.8 percent. Still, 96.2 percent probability suggests that this collision may not happen. NASA planetary scientist Dr. Emma Reed said, “This figure may seem small, but it is serious for such a large asteroid. We are monitoring its activities every moment.” How big is 2024 YR4? The size of this asteroid is between 53 and 67 meters. It is so huge that if it fell on Earth, it could destroy cities. It is no less dangerous for the Moon. Scientists estimate that a 500 to 700 meter wide crater could form on the lunar surface upon collision. It will be much larger than the existing craters on the Moon and its impact could scatter lunar dust into space. Scientists’ next strategy NASA does not want to take any risk regarding this threat. Scientists will make the next observation of this asteroid in May 2025. Dr. Sanjay Mehta, head of NASA’s asteroid tracking division, said, “The next observation will tell us the exact direction of its orbit. This will also help us know whether the Moon is really in its path or not.” He says that this is not just a matter of danger, but also a rare opportunity for science.

Impact on the moon and study of the solar system

Asteroid hitting the moon is not an everyday thing. Small impacts have been seen in the last few decades, but the collision of such a large asteroid can prove to be a gold mine for scientists. Space research expert Dr. Rita Verma says, “This collision can reveal the depths of the moon. This will give us precious data about the birth of the solar system and the structure of asteroids.” This incident can open a new window to understand the history of the moon.

A sigh of relief for Earth

The good news for the people of Earth is that this asteroid is no longer a direct threat to us. But if it collides with the moon, its indirect effects can reach the Earth. Lunar dust particles can come into the atmosphere and make the night sky bright or bring a slight change in the weather. A NASA spokesperson said, “The Earth is safe, but we are examining every possibility. This is an opportunity for us to study.” People’s curiosity and questions
This news has become the center of discussion on social media. A user wrote, “If a crater is formed on the moon, will our moon remain the same?” At the same time, some are linking it to the thrill of space. This possibility remains a matter of curiosity not only for scientists but also for common people.
What will happen next?
The observation of May 2025 will determine the destination of this asteroid. Till then scientists will keep analyzing its path. If it collides with the moon, it will not only change its surface, but will also create new history in space science. Earth may have escaped this time, but this incident reminds us how close the dangers of space are. Now all eyes are on the moon, where this giant guest is ready to write its story.