This artistic animation shows asteroid 2024 YR4 passing by Earth. Astronomers created a 3D image of the newly discovered asteroid after observing it with a telescope in Chile. (9NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/R. Proctor via AP)
This composite image shows asteroid 2024 YR4 captured with the Gemini South telescope in Chile. (International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/M. Zamani via AP)
New observations show the asteroid that won’t hit Earth resembles a spinning hockey puck
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The asteroid that once had a small chance of striking Earth and now might slam into the moon resembles a spinning hockey puck, scientists said Tuesday.
This artistic animation shows asteroid 2024 YR4 passing by Earth. Astronomers created a 3D image of the newly discovered asteroid after observing it with a telescope in Chile. (9NOIRLab/NSF/AURA/R. Proctor via AP)
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The asteroid that once had a small chance of striking Earth and now might slam into the moon resembles a spinning hockey puck, scientists said Tuesday.
A team of astronomers used the Gemini South Observatory in Chile to observe in multiple wavelengths as it in February, barely 1 1/2 months after its discovery. They created a 3D image of it based on their findings.
The nearly 200 foot (60-meter) asteroid looks more like a flat disk — or not-quite-round hockey puck — than a potato. It also has a rapid rotation rate of about once every 20 minutes.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
“This find was rather unexpected since most asteroids are thought to be shaped like potatoes or toy tops rather than flat disks,†the research team lead, Bryce Bolin from Eureka Scientific said in a statement.
Scientists said it most likely originated in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, and is rich in silicates.
At one point earlier this year, NASA and the European Space Agency put the odds of the asteroid striking Earth in 2032 at 3%. It’s now down to virtually zero for the next century, but there’s a 3.8% chance it could strike the moon instead. Even if that happens, NASA assures the moon’s orbit will not be altered.
The asteroid —- which swings our way every four years — will be too far away by next week for ground telescopes to see. The Webb Space Telescope will take another look later this month or next.
Scientists consider all this good practice for when a potentially killer asteroid heads our way.
___
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
FIRST UP
You're signed up! You'll start getting First Up in your inbox soon.
Want more of the latest from the Star? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
EMAIL NEWS ALERTS
When big news breaks, don’t miss it with our free alerts
Error! There was an error processing your request.
There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
EMAIL NEWS ALERTS
You're signed up! You'll start getting news alerts in your inbox soon.
Want more of the latest from the Star? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
Camp is a place where unexpected fun leads to unleashed potential.
With your support, The ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ Star Fresh Air Fund provides opportunities for financially vulnerable children to ignite a lifelong love for adventure at camp. Above all, your kindness makes it happen.
