Asteroid 2024 YR4: Moon Impact in 2032 Could Trigger Earth Fireballs, Satellite Risks

• Asteroid 2024 YR4, approximately 60 meters across, has a 4% chance of hitting the Moon on December 22, 2032.
• A lunar impact could create a 1 km wide crater, molten rock pools, and a magnitude 5.0 moonquake, observable by telescopes like James Webb.
• Earth could experience hundreds of visible fireballs per hour days after impact due to lunar ejecta entering the atmosphere.
• While serious harm is unlikely, satellite networks face increased collision risks from orbital debris.
• Space agencies are considering deflection, but scientists see a unique opportunity for lunar geology research if impact occurs.

Why It Matters: A 2032 asteroid impact on the Moon could offer scientific insights but poses risks of fireballs and satellite damage on Earth.