On April 8, 2025, scientists reported that asteroid 2024 YR4, once thought to have a slight chance of hitting Earth, now has a small risk of crashing into the moon. The asteroid was first spotted about six weeks before its close pass in February 2025, using the Gemini South Observatory in Chile. It is about 60 meters wide and rotates quickly—once every 20 minutes. Its flat, round shape, similar to a hockey puck, is unusual because most asteroids have uneven shapes like potatoes. Scientists believe it came from the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter and is mostly made of silicates. Although the risk to Earth is now nearly zero, there is a 3.8% chance it might strike the moon. NASA stated that such an impact would not affect the moon’s orbit. The asteroid, which passes by Earth every four years, is now moving out of range for ground-based telescopes. The Webb Space Telescope will study it further soon. Scientists say tracking asteroids like 2024 YR4 helps prepare for possible future threats and improves understanding of asteroid shapes and behavior.