NASA Scientists Propose Nuclear Deflection for Potential Lunar-Bound Asteroid

NASA scientists have proposed using nuclear devices to deflect asteroid 2024 YR4, which has a 4% chance of colliding with the Moon on December 22, 2032. Discovered in December 2024, the asteroid measures approximately 60 meters in diameter. While the risk of an Earth impact has been ruled out, a lunar collision could eject debris into Earth's orbit, potentially threatening satellites and astronauts aboard the International Space Station. The proposed plan involves launching a nuclear device to alter the asteroid's trajectory. However, researchers caution that such an intervention carries the risk of inadvertently redirecting the asteroid toward Earth. The mission would need to be executed between 2029 and 2031 to be effective. Continuous monitoring and further observations are planned to refine the asteroid's trajectory and assess the necessity of such measures.