Asteroid 2024 YR4: Assessing Impact Threat
9 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Asteroid 2024 YR4 poses a potential threat to Earth due to its:

  • Trajectory that intersects with other known asteroids.
  • Unusually high speed compared to other asteroids.
  • Estimated size and potential impact energy. (correct)
  • Composition of rare and highly radioactive elements.

Why are astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to observe Asteroid 2024 YR4?

  • To determine the asteroid's exact composition and mineral content.
  • To attempt to destroy the asteroid using the telescope's powerful lasers.
  • To obtain a more accurate measurement of the asteroid's size and trajectory. (correct)
  • To send a probe to attach a tracking device to the asteroid's surface.

The article mentions that Asteroid 2024 YR4's potential impact is compared to the Tunguska event. Why is this comparison relevant?

  • Both events caused widespread destruction over a large area. (correct)
  • Both events resulted in global climate change.
  • Both events involved asteroids composed of similar materials.
  • Both events were predicted years in advance by astronomers.

What is the main limitation of using Earth-based telescopes to determine the size of Asteroid 2024 YR4?

<p>Earth's atmosphere distorts the light, affecting the accuracy of size estimations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the James Webb Space Telescope improve upon size estimations of asteroids compared to Earth-based telescopes?

<p>It uses infrared sensors to measure the heat radiating from the asteroid. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the article, what is the potential consequence of inaccurate asteroid size estimations?

<p>Both underestimating and overestimating the size can lead to misallocation of resources. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What course of action would be determined by Earth’s planetary defense organizations after gathering data from the James Webb Telescope?

<p>Whether or not action is needed to deflect the asteroid. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If Asteroid 2024 YR4 were to impact Earth, the energy of the explosion is estimated to be 15 megatons of TNT. What would be most likely to happen?

<p>Localized effects, such as a large blast wave. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Asteroid 2024 YR4

Asteroid 2024 YR4 is space rock with a 2.3% chance of hitting Earth in 2032.

Importance of Size

It is important to know the size as a 40 m asteroid is very different from that of a 90 m asteroid.

James Webb Telescope (JWST)

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), launched in 2021, is used to study Asteroid 2024 YR4 to gauge potential damage.

Size Estimate

JWST measures heat radiating off the asteroid, giving a more accurate size estimate.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Potential Impact Energy

If YR4 were to hit Earth, experts predict that it could explode with an energy of 15 megatons of TNT.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Estimating Asteroid Size

Scientists predict the size of asteroids by measuring reflected light, but Earth's atmosphere distorts this.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Asteroid Deflection

Deflecting an asteroid involves changing its trajectory to avoid hitting Earth.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Tunguska Event

YR4's impact is roughly equivalent to the Tunguska asteroid event, which flattened 830 square miles of forest.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

  • NASA is preparing for a potential impact from Asteroid 2024 YR4.
  • The asteroid has a 2.3% chance of hitting Earth in 2032.
  • Asteroid 2024 YR4 was first discovered in December 2024.
  • Asteroid 2024 YR4 is approximately 300ft wide, similar in size to the Statue of Liberty or Big Ben.

Assessing the Threat

  • The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will be used to study Asteroid 2024 YR4 and assess potential damage.
  • A strike from Asteroid 2024 YR4 is estimated to be equivalent to the Tunguska asteroid event, which flattened 830 square miles of Siberian forest in 1908.
  • Scientists use telescopes to measure the light reflected from an asteroid's surface to predict its size.
  • Larger asteroids generally appear brighter.
  • Earth's atmosphere can distort light, making size estimates from Earth-based telescopes unclear.

James Webb Space Telescope

  • The James Webb Space Telescope is located 1 million miles away from Earth.
  • JWST will use infrared sensors to measure the heat radiating off the asteroid for a more accurate size estimate.
  • Accurate size estimations are crucial for planetary defense organizations to determine if deflection is necessary.

Potential Impact

  • If Asteroid 2024 YR4 were to hit Earth, it is predicted to explode with the energy of 15 megatons of TNT.
  • The impact would be 100 times more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
  • The first JWST observations will begin in March, when the asteroid is at its brightest.
  • Further observations will occur as the asteroid moves away from the sun.
  • These measurements will help ESA, NASA, and other organizations assess the hazard and determine the necessary response.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Description

NASA is preparing for a potential impact from Asteroid 2024 YR4, which has a 2.3% chance of hitting Earth in 2032. The James Webb Space Telescope will be used to study the asteroid and assess potential damage. A strike from Asteroid 2024 YR4 could be equivalent to the Tunguska event.

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Open
Browser
Browser