The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is set to observe asteroid 2024 YR4 to better assess its potential threat to Earth. Measuring between 40 and 90 meters in size, the asteroid has a 98% chance of passing safely on December 22, 2032. However, understanding its actual size is critical, as smaller and larger asteroids pose different risks. Current observations mainly rely on reflected light, prompting the use of JWST's MIRI instrument to measure infrared emissions for a more accurate size estimate, enhancing response planning against potential impacts in the future.
Using the James Webb Space Telescope to observe asteroid 2024 YR4 aims to reduce uncertainty around its size and potential impact on Earth.
The significance of the impact from 2024 YR4 depends on its size, with a 40 m asteroid posing a vastly different hazard than a 90 m one.
The JWST will employ its MIRI instrument to measure the thermal emissions of 2024 YR4, aiding in making crucial predictions about the asteroid's size.
Astronomers currently rely on reflected visible light for asteroid measurements, but 2024 YR4's size estimates vary greatly based on its reflectiveness.
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