Asteroid 2024 YR4: The Rock That Won’t Crash Our Holiday Party… Yet
2024 YR4, a newly spotted asteroid, drew astronomers' attention in late 2024 due to its close proximity to Earth. There is a 2.3% chance of collision, equating to 23 near-miss…
An asteroid is a small rocky body that orbits the Sun, primarily found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. These celestial objects are remnants from the early solar system that never coalesced into planets. Asteroids vary in size, shape, and composition, ranging from a few meters to hundreds of kilometers in diameter. They are composed mostly of rock and metal, and unlike comets, they do not have significant amounts of ice. Asteroids can be classified into different types based on their composition and location in the solar system, including C-type (carbonaceous), S-type (silicaceous), and M-type (metallic). Some asteroids may contain valuable resources, such as metals and minerals, leading to interest in potential mining opportunities. Because of their proximity to Earth, certain asteroids are monitored for the risk they pose to our planet. In addition, studying asteroids provides valuable insights into the formation and evolution of the solar system.
2024 YR4, a newly spotted asteroid, drew astronomers' attention in late 2024 due to its close proximity to Earth. There is a 2.3% chance of collision, equating to 23 near-miss…