©(9NOIRLab)/NSF/AURA/R. Proctor via AP)
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- If you discovered a strange object in space, what would you name it?
- Why do you think scientists want to study objects in space like asteroids?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- spot /spot/
- asteroid belt /AS-tuh-roid belt/
- material /muh-TEER-ee-uhl/
- risk /risk/
- observe /uhb-ZURV/
[verb] – to see or notice something, especially something that is not easy to see
The hiker spotted a rare bird sitting quietly in the tree.
[noun] – the area in space between Mars and Jupiter where many asteroids are found
Scientists believe the spacecraft passed through part of the asteroid belt.
[noun] – a substance or thing used to make something
Scientists studied the materials found inside the meteorite.
[noun] – the chance that something bad or dangerous may happen
The scientist said there was a small risk of the meteor hitting the planet.
[verb] – to watch something carefully, especially for a scientific or official purpose
The scientists observed the animals in their natural habitat.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
On April 8, 2025, scientists shared new information about asteroid 2024 YR4. This space rock, once thought to have a small chance of hitting Earth, now shows a greater chance of striking the moon. It was first spotted about six weeks before its close approach in February 2025, using the Gemini South Observatory in Chile. The asteroid is about 60 meters wide and spins quickly, completing one turn every 20 minutes. Its flat, disk-like shape is unusual and has been compared to a hockey puck. Most asteroids look more like uneven or potato-shaped rocks. Experts believe this asteroid came from the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter and is mostly made of silicate materials. At first, there was a 3% chance it would hit Earth in 2032, but that risk is now nearly zero.
Although Earth is safe, scientists say there is a 3.8% chance the asteroid could crash into the moon. NASA confirmed that this would not change the moon’s orbit. The asteroid comes close to Earth every four years, but it is now too far for ground telescopes to observe. The Webb Space Telescope will study it further soon. Scientists say tracking asteroids like this one helps prepare for future threats and teaches more about how these objects form.
Although Earth is safe, scientists say there is a 3.8% chance the asteroid could crash into the moon. NASA confirmed that this would not change the moon’s orbit. The asteroid comes close to Earth every four years, but it is now too far for ground telescopes to observe. The Webb Space Telescope will study it further soon. Scientists say tracking asteroids like this one helps prepare for future threats and teaches more about how these objects form.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Where was the asteroid first seen?
- How long does it take the asteroid to complete one turn?
- What is the shape of asteroid 2024 YR4 compared to?
- What do most asteroids usually look like?
- How often does the asteroid come close to Earth?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever looked at the night sky and seen something interesting, like a star or a comet? If so, what did you see, and how did it make you feel? If not, would you like to go stargazing? Why or why not?
- Have you ever watched a movie or show about space or asteroids? If so, what was the name of the movie, and what happened? If not, would you like to watch one? Why or why not?
- Do you agree that the strange shape of asteroid 2024 YR4 makes it interesting to scientists?
- Why do you think scientists want to track asteroids even if they don’t hit Earth?
- What do you think is more important: studying space objects or exploring other planets? Why?