By: Science DeskNew Delhi | September 29, 2025 12:55 PM IST 2 min readThe asteroid 2024 YR4 has less than one per cent of colliding with Earth. (Image Source: Freepikl)NASA might be considering blowing up an asteroid with nuclear bombs to save the Moon. The asteroid, named 2024 YR4, was discovered in December last year and caused panic around the world when it was noted that it had a relatively high chance of hitting Earth in 2032.With a diameter of somewhere between 53 and 67 meters, scientists noted that 2024 YR4 has a three per cent chance of colliding with our planet. And while subsequent observations have confirmed that it is unlikely to do so now, chances are it could leave a mark on the Moon’s surface.If the asteroid 2024 YR4 crashes into the moon, it would possibly lead to lunar “ejecta”, a phenomenon that kicks up to the top layer of dust and small rocks on the celestial body’s surface and causes micrometeoroid debris to spread in the lower Earth orbit. According to researchers, this would be a cause of concern for astronomers and spacecraft, as these tiny particles may puncture spacecraft and damage spacesuits.Also Read | Scientists unveil Flagship 2, the largest universe simulation ever with 3.4 billion galaxiesTo reduce the risk of impact and danger to our planet and the moon, NASA is considering two approaches – deflection and near-complete destruction. Scientists had initially considered a DART-like mission to put the asteroid off its current path, but it was marked as impractical. Researchers say that any attempts to divert the asteroid’s path will probably put astronauts at an ever greater risk, as they are still uncertain about its exact mass.NASA is also considering launching two nuclear 100-kiloton bombs, which are said to be five to eight times more powerful than the one dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War 2. In case you are wondering, the second nuclear bomb will act as a backup in case the first one fails.The paper also says that a 1 megaton nuke would be more than enough to destroy 2024 YR4, which is currently within our nuclear arsenal. However, humans have never tested a nuclear explosion in space with the intention of destroying an asteroid, but we had detonated a nuke in space back in the 1960s.© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:asteroidnuclear bomb