Asteroids
Latest about Asteroids
![An asteroid passes between Earth and the moon.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7hTbuwgRV3tkXykUJ56kRk-320-80.jpg)
'City-killer' asteroid 2024 YR4 could hit the moon instead of us, scientists say
By Pandora Dewan published
Asteroid 2024 YR4 has a 2.3% chance of hitting Earth in the year 2032. But according to new estimates, it may have an even smaller chance of hitting the moon instead.
![The asteroid 2024 YT4 as seen by the 8.1 meter Gemini South telescope on Feb. 7, 2025](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qZHLgL7Cc9by835sMKkXxN-320-80.png)
What the asteroid with a 1-in-48 chance of hitting Earth in 2032 looks like (images)
By Robert Lea published
Astronomers have captured a new image of the asteroid 2024 YR4, which now has a 1 in 48 chance of hitting Earth in 2032.
![a ball of grey boulders and rocks seen against the blackness of space](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ThWMPASDNMXYUdGid9AjSJ-320-80.jpg)
What would happen if the OSIRIS-REx asteroid Bennu smashed into Earth in 2182?
By Victoria Corless published
Scientists simulated what would happen if a medium-size asteroid were to strike Earth. One of those space rocks, asteroid Bennu, has a 1-in-2,700 chance of hitting Earth in the year 2182.
![An illustration shows the asteroid 2024 YR4 looming over Earth](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ribaHBF7SGEirbtwGmPNAQ-320-80.png)
Odds of an asteroid impact in 2032 just went up. Here's why experts say you shouldn't worry
By Robert Lea published
The chances of the asteroid 2024 YR4 hitting Earth in 2032 appear to have doubled, but an asteroid hunter explains to Space.com why this isn't cause for concern.
![An electric car is just one of the many unusual objects that have left the confines of Earth.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XbPdKyDejqxhDAAnhNQZwH-320-80.jpg)
When is an asteroid not an asteroid? When it's Elon Musk's Tesla Roadster, it turns out.
By Tariq Malik published
The discovery of a new asteroid this month has turned out to be Elon Musk's Tesla Roadster launched by SpaceX in 2018.
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ThWMPASDNMXYUdGid9AjSJ-320-80.jpg)
NASA finds key molecules for life in OSIRIS-REx asteroid samples. Here's what that means
By Monisha Ravisetti published
NASA OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return team has revealed exciting evidence of the precursors of life in the pieces of space rock Bennu.
![An illustration of an asteroid racing past Earth](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/QzjtjDiCF4aVos5W5wzFLk-320-80.png)
Astronomers discover 196-foot asteroid with 1-in-83 chance of hitting Earth in 2032
By Robert Lea published
A 196-foot-wide asteroid has a 1-in-83 chance of striking Earth in 2032. An expert tells Space.com where this asteroid could impact our planet and what level of destruction it could cause.
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WpDzN4dvrDfzvtXnH7LxNP-320-80.jpg)
Earth is bombarded with rocks from space — but who gets to keep these ultimate antiques?
By Anna Marie Brennan published
Every day, about 48.5 tons of space rock hurtle towards Earth.
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