Asteroid threat: Potential lunar collision in 2032
Asteroid 2024 YR4, spotted in December 2024, now has a small but real chance (about 4.3%) of crashing into the Moon in 2032.
If it happens, we could see a crater possibly the largest in the last 5,000 years—and debris from the impact could threaten satellites around Earth.
Impact on Moon could send debris toward Earth
A big hit like this could send fast-moving debris into space, possibly messing with satellites we rely on for internet and navigation.
Even though the Moon looks tiny from here, its gravity can actually focus that debris toward our orbit—making things riskier for all those space gadgets.
Key next steps for scientists
After June 2025, we won't be able to track this asteroid until 2028.
That gives scientists four key years to fine-tune predictions and work on ways to protect satellites.
Early action now means fewer surprises later if YR4 does head for the Moon.