Google trend - Asteroide 2024 YR4

Asteroide 2024 YR4 - 10 things to know with detail

• Discovery: Asteroide 2024 YR4 was discovered on December 31, 2024, by astronomers using the Pan-STARRS 1 telescope located in Hawaii.
• Size: Asteroide 2024 YR4 is estimated to have a diameter of approximately 200 meters (656 feet), making it a relatively large asteroid.
• Orbit: This asteroid follows an elliptical orbit around the Sun, with a perihelion (closest point to the Sun) of 0.84 AU and an aphelion (farthest point from the Sun) of 2.63 AU. It takes about 3.5 years to complete one orbit.
• Close approach: Asteroide 2024 YR4 made a close approach to Earth on January 6, 2025, coming within 0.04 AU (6 million kilometers) of our planet. Despite its proximity, it posed no threat of impact.
• Composition: Based on its spectral characteristics, Asteroide 2024 YR4 is classified as a C-type asteroid, which means it likely contains a high percentage of carbonaceous materials.
• Rotation: Observations of this asteroid suggest that it has a relatively slow rotation period of about 12 hours. This slower rotation can make it easier for astronomers to study its surface features.
• Shape: While the exact shape of Asteroide 2024 YR4 is not known, it is likely irregular in shape, as is common for asteroids of this size.
• Albedo: The albedo of Asteroide 2024 YR4, which is a measure of its reflectivity, is estimated to be around 0.05. This means that it reflects only about 5% of the sunlight that falls on it.
• Future observations: Astronomers will continue to track Asteroide 2024 YR4 as it makes its way through the solar system. Further observations will help refine its orbit and physical characteristics.
• Scientific interest: Studying asteroids like Asteroide 2024 YR4 can provide valuable insights into the early history of the solar system and the processes that have shaped its evolution. By understanding the composition and behavior of asteroids, scientists can also better assess the potential risks they may pose to Earth in the future.