Asteroid Spotted: A Saucer in the Cosmos?

Astronomers have made a startling revelation about a so-called "city-killer" asteroid that once posed a concerning risk to our planet. The recently studied asteroid, known as 2024 YR4, resembles a flat, spinning saucer, prompting comparisons to a glowing hockey puck — a far cry from the usual potato-like shapes of most asteroids!

Unveiling the Mystery: How Big Is This Asteroid?

Using the advanced capabilities of the Gemini South Observatory in Chile, scientists captured stunning images of the 200-foot asteroid, noting its rapid rotation every 20 minutes. Initially estimated to be as much as 300 feet, recent findings utilizing the powerful James Webb Space Telescope have refined its dimensions, revealing it to measure between 98 to 213 feet in diameter — comparable to a towering 10-story building.

Dodging Disaster: The Trajectory of 2024 YR4

Discovered in December 2022, 2024 YR4 sparked alarm with early projections showing a 1% chance of hitting Earth. By February, this risk climbed to over 3%, but further observations cleared it from the danger zone, affirming its harmless trajectory away from our planet.

A Surprising Origin Story!

Delving into its composition, scientists found that 2024 YR4 is classified as an S-type asteroid, rich in silicates. Interestingly, its unusual retrograde spin indicated that it was likely nudged from the central main belt of the solar system by the gravitational pull of Jupiter — a surprising revelation, as most thought Earth-crossers originated from the inner belt.

Lunar Impact: Could the Moon Be Next?

While the asteroid no longer threatens Earth, observations suggest there’s still a 3.8% chance it could collide with the Moon. Such an impact would create a noticeable scar on the lunar surface but isn’t expected to affect its orbit.

Stay Tuned: The Cosmos Beckons!

As scientists continue to unravel the mysteries of our universe, the newfound saucer-shaped asteroid is just the latest in a series of intriguing cosmic discoveries. Who knows what fascinating phenomena await us in the great expanse of space?