City-killer’ asteroid that may strike Moon resembles spinning hockey puck
Astronomers have made a significant discovery about an asteroid that was previously thought to be on a collision course with Earth. The asteroid, known as 2024 YR4, was nicknamed ‘City Killer’ due to its potential to cause catastrophic damage if it were to hit our planet. However, new observations have revealed that the asteroid’s trajectory has changed, and it is now expected to miss Earth, but may still strike the Moon in 2032.
The discovery was made possible thanks to observations conducted by the Gemini South telescope in Chile. A team of astronomers constructed a 3D model of the asteroid, which revealed a unique feature – its shape resembles a spinning hockey puck.
The 3D model was created using data collected by the Gemini South telescope, which observed the asteroid over a period of several nights. The observations were then used to construct a detailed model of the asteroid’s shape, size, and movement. The results showed that the asteroid has a unique hockey-puck-like shape, which is a rare feature among asteroids.
The discovery of the asteroid’s shape is significant not only because of its unique appearance but also because it provides valuable information about the asteroid’s composition and structure. The hockey-puck shape suggests that the asteroid may have a porous or fragmented interior, which could affect its movement and behavior as it approaches the Moon.
The asteroid’s trajectory was previously thought to be on a collision course with Earth, with some predictions suggesting that it could hit our planet in 2032. However, new observations have revealed that the asteroid’s path has changed, and it is now expected to miss Earth. Instead, it is predicted to strike the Moon in 2032, although the exact timing and location of the impact are still uncertain.
The news of the asteroid’s changed trajectory has been met with relief by NASA officials, who had been monitoring the asteroid’s movement closely. “We are pleased to report that the asteroid 2024 YR4 is no longer on a collision course with Earth,” said a NASA spokesperson. “While it is still possible for the asteroid to strike the Moon, we are working closely with astronomers and scientists to track its movement and provide accurate predictions.”
The discovery of the asteroid’s shape and trajectory is a significant milestone in the field of asteroid research. It highlights the importance of continued monitoring and tracking of near-Earth objects, which can provide valuable information about their composition, size, and movement.
The hockey-puck shape of the asteroid is also a reminder of the unique and fascinating features that can be found in the asteroid belt. The asteroid belt is a vast region of space that contains millions of small rocky bodies, including asteroids, comets, and other small celestial objects. Each asteroid has its own unique characteristics, shape, and composition, making the asteroid belt a fascinating and complex region of study.
In conclusion, the discovery of the ‘City Killer’ asteroid’s hockey-puck shape is a significant find that provides valuable information about the asteroid’s composition and structure. The news that it is no longer on a collision course with Earth but may strike the Moon in 2032 is a reminder of the importance of continued monitoring and tracking of near-Earth objects. As astronomers continue to study the asteroid belt, we may uncover even more fascinating features and insights about these small rocky bodies.
