CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – An asteroid, once considered a minor threat to Earth but now potentially on a collision course with the moon, has been observed to resemble a spinning hockey puck, according to recent findings disclosed on Tuesday.
A group of astronomers utilizing the Gemini South Observatory in Chile conducted multi-wavelength observations of asteroid 2024 YR4 as it moved away from Earth in February, shortly after its discovery. These observations led to the creation of a 3D model of the asteroid.
The asteroid, measuring approximately 200 feet (60 meters) in diameter, is shaped more like a flattened disk, akin to a hockey puck, rather than the more typical potato-like form seen in many asteroids. It also exhibits a rapid rotation, completing a full turn about every 20 minutes.
"This discovery was quite unexpected, given that most asteroids are believed to have shapes resembling potatoes or spinning tops, rather than flat disks," stated Bryce Bolin from Eureka Scientific, who led the research team.
Scientists believe the asteroid likely originated from the main asteroid belt situated between Mars and Jupiter and is primarily composed of silicates.
Earlier in the year, projections from NASA and the European Space Agency estimated a 3% chance of the asteroid impacting Earth in 2032. However, current calculations indicate a virtually zero chance of such an event occurring within the next century. There remains a 3.8% possibility of a lunar impact, though NASA assures that this would not alter the moon's orbit.
The asteroid, which approaches Earth every four years, will soon be too distant for observation by ground-based telescopes. The Webb Space Telescope is scheduled to conduct further observations later this month or the following month.
Researchers emphasize that these observations serve as valuable preparation for dealing with potentially hazardous asteroids in the future.