Since near-Earth asteroid 2024 YR4 was first discovered in December 2024, NASA and the worldwide planetary defense community have continued to observe the asteroid, which was ruled out as a significant impact risk to Earth. New infrared observations from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope have decreased the uncertainty of the asteroid’s size and 2024 YR4...
So realistically, what would happen if there was a collision like this?
It’s a pretty significant hit, but not enough to meaningfully change the moon’s orbit, so no long term impacts from that. Maybe a pretty meteor shower from the material ejected? Probably not enough material to cause a significant amount of surface heating.
That would be so cool!
until it fucks with the world’s tidal patterns
That’s what you say now, but wait until all the Moon Hornets come out.
Like an angry space pinata
Can’t wait to see it. Space Hornets would not surprise me in 2025 honestly
That would be even more cool. Terrifying, yes, but also cool.
Have you read Seveneves?
No, but I know about elevenses.
Until the part where they shelter on the moon. Then I somehow lost interest.
Anyways, was an interesting read. I doubt 70 tons hitting the moon would do much to earth though. Maybe we get nice shooting stars?
So realistically, what would happen if there was a collision like this?
It’s a pretty significant hit, but not enough to meaningfully change the moon’s orbit, so no long term impacts from that. Maybe a pretty meteor shower from the material ejected? Probably not enough material to cause a significant amount of surface heating.