Astronomers identify rare Earth-crossing asteroid from unexpected source

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 14, 2025
Astronomers at W. M. Keck Observatory on Maunakea, Hawai'i, have traced the origin of 2024 YR4, an Earth-crossing asteroid discovered in December 2024, to a surprising location. Contrary to expectations, the solid, stony asteroid appears to have emerged from a central Main Belt asteroid family between Mars and Jupiter-a region not previously associated with Earth-crossing bodies. "YR4 spin