News
Science News
James Webb Space Telescope measures the size of building-sized asteroid 2024 YR4, revealing key details

James Webb Space Telescope measures the size of building-sized asteroid 2024 YR4, revealing key details

TOI Science Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Apr 4, 2025, 12:28 IST

Text Size

Small
Medium
Large

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has captured the first detailed images of asteroid 2024 YR4, providing new insights into its size, surface material, and heat patterns. Initially considered a potential threat, updated observations confirm it poses no danger to Earth. The study of its characteristics enhances our understanding of near-Earth objects and informs planetary defense strategies.

James Webb Space Telescope measures the size of building-sized asteroid 2024 YR4, revealing key details

Source: NASA

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) captured the first up-close images of near-Earth object asteroid 2024 YR4, which initially baffled astronomers due to size and proximity. The asteroid has a width of about 60 meters, approximately as tall as a 15-story building or as wide as the Taj Mahal. Despite initial alarm, additional observation produced a clearer definition of the menace that the asteroid represents and of its physical measure.
NASA's James Webb Space Telescope's precise measurements of asteroid 2024 YR4 give us important insight into its size, surface material, and heat patterns. Though the asteroid is no longer a close threat to Earth, the information collected will prove helpful in pursuing further studies on planetary defense. By conducting studies on bodies like 2024 YR4, researchers are well-positioned to investigate the actions of near-Earth asteroids, and this will prepare us for any future threat.

James Webb Space Telescope unveils building-sized asteroid 2024 YR4's true size

Asteroid 2024 YR4's 60-meter (200-foot) size was alarming when scientists first found its trajectory. To put the size of this asteroid into perspective, it was roughly the size of a building the size of the Taj Mahal or a 15-story building. Its enormous size ranked it in the category of bodies that would extremely likely produce cataclysmic impact devastation should it strike Earth. Such thinking placed the asteroid at the top of planetary protection lists.

First, the trajectory of the asteroid was alarming scientists with possible Earth impact in 2032. However, after careful monitoring and assessment, NASA downgraded the possibility of such an incident to near zero. The updated risk assessment after careful observation confirms that asteroid 2024 YR4 won't be posing any threat to Earth, not in 2032 and later.
This is based on the solid evidence gathered by the James Webb Space Telescope, which put 2024 YR4 under closer inspection than ever before, unveiling more detail into its physical makeup and its trajectory.

JWST captures first images of asteroid 2024 YR4, revealing key data

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has just captured the first historical image of asteroid 2024 YR4, the smallest object ever observed by the telescope. With its current state-of-the-art technology, Webb provided us with vital information regarding the diameter, surface reflectance, and heat characteristics of the asteroid. The observations are extremely useful when it comes to learning about such asteroids, especially when of a size that is considered normally difficult to research.
Telescope observations not only confirmed the diameter of the asteroid to be 60 meters but also gave useful information regarding its heat radiations and surface composition.

Asteroid 2024 YR4's rapid thermal changes reveal unique rotation and surface

Asteroid 2024 YR4 has unusual thermal processes that distinguish it from big asteroids. In contrast to bigger bodies, where temperatures change slowly, 2024 YR4 heats up and cools down rapidly. This type of temperature change is brought about by the rapid rotation of the asteroid and surface material, which are fist-sized boulders and not fine sand particles. These physical properties determine the manner in which the asteroid heats and cools when orbiting the Sun.
Researchers continue to monitor such atypical traits since they are indicators of the shape of the asteroid and movement in space. Once the movement of these traits can be determined, researchers are able to build better models that predict the way other near-Earth objects will move.

Asteroid 2024 YR4's role in planetary defense

Andy Rivkin, a senior research scientist at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, highlighted the importance of tracking asteroids like 2024 YR4 in planetary defense. Although the asteroid is not causing any harm right now, tracking it gives valuable information that will prepare one for any potential future asteroid impact that may happen.
Rivkin continued, "That will allow us to prescribe the optimal manner in which to use in the event of a more near-future observational campaign if somehow there is this other asteroid with a present imminent danger of collision." Scientists will have an improved capacity to solve problems for threats by other near-Earth objects posing a higher danger by observing the way the asteroid reacts and its features.
Also Read | ‘City killer�?asteroid 2024 YR4 is no longer a threat to Earth, but it could collide with moon instead

About the Author

TOI Science Desk

The TOI Science Desk stands as an inquisitive team of journalists, ceaselessly delving into the realms of discovery to curate a captivating collection of news, features, and articles from the vast and ever-evolving world of science for the readers of The Times of India. Consider us your scientific companion, delivering a daily dose of wonder and enlightenment. Whether it's the intricacies of genetic engineering, the marvels of space exploration, or the latest in artificial intelligence, the TOI Science Desk ensures you stay connected to the pulse of the scientific world. At the TOI Science Desk, we are not just reporters; we are storytellers of scientific narratives. We are committed to demystifying the intricacies of science, making it accessible and engaging for readers of all backgrounds. Join us as we craft knowledge with precision and passion, bringing you on a journey where the mysteries of the universe unfold with every word.

End of Article