The 2024 YR4 asteroid, which has a possibility of impacting the Moon, surprised scientists with its rare flat shape. Initially, there was a high chance of this asteroid hitting Earth.

According to new research, the 2024 YR4 asteroid drew attention with its flat disk shape that baffled scientists. This asteroid came into discussion for potentially hitting the Moon in 2032. Originally considered a threat to Earth, the asteroid is now likely to impact the Moon. The 2024 YR4 asteroid may have originated from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter and has an unusually flat structure. While asteroids typically have shapes like potatoes or toy balls, this asteroid resembles a hockey puck. Bryce Bolin, the leader of the research team, said about the asteroid, “This discovery was unexpected as most asteroids are assumed to be potato- or toy ball-shaped, flat disk-shaped ones are rare.” EXPECTED TO HIT EARTH

The 2024 YR4 asteroid was discovered in 2024, initially posing a high risk of impacting Earth at around 3.1%. However, new research has reduced this risk to zero. Nevertheless, the possibility of an impact on the Moon remains, presenting a valuable research opportunity for scientists even though such an impact would not significantly harm the Moon. Researchers identified the 2024 YR4 as an S-type asteroid rich in silicate minerals based on its light reflection pattern. They also estimated that the asteroid rotates very quickly and has a size ranging from 30 to 65 meters. This asteroid is considered one of the largest objects with the potential to impact the Moon. In the event of an impact, this occurrence will provide scientists with the opportunity to study how the crater formed by the asteroid’s size is related to it.