James Webb Space Telescope Observes 'City-Killer' Asteroid 2024 YR4: Earth Safe but Moon at Risk

The world of astronomy remains vigilant as the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) directs its advanced capabilities towards the asteroid 2024 YR4. This particular asteroid, ominously nicknamed 'city-killer' due to its potential impact destruction capability akin to 500 Hiroshima bombs, initially posed a concern for Earth. However, recent JWST observations have ruled out Earth as a potential impact site come December 2032, though it still registers a 2% chance of colliding with the Moon. This ongoing monitoring highlights the vital role that real-time celestial surveillance plays in planetary defence. The international collaboration to employ emergency telescope time underscores the urgency with which potentially hazardous space objects are treated. Scientists' use of JWST's sensitive infrared technology has allowed for a more accurate assessment of YR4’s size and composition, which proved it to be slightly larger and rockier than expected. While Earth is no longer on YR4’s path, its potential to still impact the Moon presents an exciting yet serious possibility. Such an event could offer unprecedented insights into lunar crater formation processes, benefitting future planetary defence strategies. The news serves as a reminder of the sheer scale and velocity at which space objects operate around us, sparking renewed interest in technologies and strategies for asteroid diversion and Earth safety. Moving forward, the advocacy by organizations such as the B612 Foundation is crucial for funding the technological advancements and observational platforms necessary for tracking near-Earth objects. The excitement in observing potential cosmic collisions showcases the dual nature of such scenarios; they are scientifically enriching but also underline gaps in our planetary defences.