For centuries, 2024 YR4 wandered unseen in the vast darkness of space, likely originating from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
On December 27, 2024, astronomers in Chile spotted its silent approach—just two days after it had passed Earth at a distance twice that of the Moon.
But it’s coming back. On December 22, 2032, its path will bring it within 66,000 miles—close enough that its fate, and ours, remains uncertain. Will it pass us by, or will gravity pull it onto a collision course? Every new observation brings us closer to the answer.
Stay informed with breaking announcements, new data releases, and expert insights from NASA, ESA, and astronomers around the globe. Explore all the latest findings shaping our understanding of Asteroid 2024 YR4.
A new NASA-led study maps practical mission options for asteroid 2024 YR4—finding Earth safe, the Moon marginally at risk, and robust disruption more feasible than deflection.
Read articleA new study models how a 60 m asteroid might blast lunar debris into near-Earth space, posing a hidden hazard to spacecraft.
Read articleNew James Webb data narrow 2024 YR4’s orbit by 20 %, nudging its chance of striking the Moon in 2032 from 3.8 % to 4.3 %—while keeping Earth safe.
Read articleGemini South reveals a flat, fast-spinning asteroid likely pushed from the inner belt by Jupiter, and it still carries a slim chance of striking the Moon in 2032.
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