A Space Rock On Our Radar: How the James Webb Telescope Will Help Us Track a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid

Ever wonder what happens when a space rock gets too close to Earth? This week, that got a little bit more real, with the announcement that the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will be stepping in to study a potentially hazardous asteroid named 2024 YR4.

Identified in December 2024, this space visitor has a chance, though slim, of colliding with our planet in December 2032. While the odds stand at around 2.3%, that’s still enough to raise some serious eyebrows.

Infrared Vision for a Clearer Picture

Imagine trying to judge the size of a speeding car by looking at its headlights. That’s kind of like what scientists are trying to do with 2024 YR4, using ground-based telescopes to estimate its size based on how bright it appears. But without a direct view, things can get tricky.

Enter the JWST, equipped with infrared vision. Instead of relying on reflected sunlight, JWST can capture the heat emitted by the asteroid, giving us a much more precise measurement of its dimensions. Imagine it as getting a clear photo instead of a blurry silhouette.

This accurate size measurement is crucial. It will directly influence how likely we think an impact is, and help us develop better planetary defense strategies.

A Look Towards the Future

The JWST’s observations are scheduled for March and May. These won’t be quick snapshots; scientists will dedicate four precious hours of project time to gather as much data as possible. And the good news? This data will be made publicly available once it’s processed, giving researchers around the world a valuable tool to track and understand near-Earth objects.

This mission isn’t just about 2024 YR4. It’s about paving the way for better asteroid detection, tracking, and potentially deflection in the future.

What worries you most about near-Earth objects? Share your thoughts in the comments below!