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NASA: Asteroid 2024 YR4 to Safely Pass Moon in 2032

3/7/2026

28 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) confirmed that asteroid 2024 YR4 will miss the Moon on December 22, 2032.
Refined observations from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) indicate the asteroid will pass about 13,200 miles above the lunar surface.
The asteroid measures 174 to 220 feet.
It was previously labeled a "city killer."
NASA plans to keep observing 2024 YR4 during future windows to ensure safety.

History

Historical Context

Discovered in 2004, asteroid 99942 Apophis initially posed a 2.7% impact risk to Earth in 2029, prompting NASA's Near Earth Object Program to monitor its trajectory. As observational techniques improved, the risk was eliminated by 2021. The recent confirmation of asteroid 2024 YR4's safe passage highlights advancements in tracking near-Earth objects, crucial for planetary defense and public safety.

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Story summary

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) confirmed that asteroid 2024 YR4 will miss the Moon on December 22, 2032.
Refined observations from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) indicate the asteroid will pass about 13,200 miles above the lunar surface.
The asteroid measures 174 to 220 feet.
It was previously labeled a "city killer."
NASA plans to keep observing 2024 YR4 during future windows to ensure safety.

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