An asteroid measuring approximately 400 metres — about the size of the Empire State Building — is on a potential collision course with the Moon, according to astronomers. The object, identified as 2022 SF289, is expected to pass near the Earth-Moon system on July 8, 2029.
While the asteroid poses no direct threat to Earth, scientists are now assessing the possibility that it could impact the Moon, which may have significant scientific and visual consequences.
Experts from NASA and international space agencies are closely tracking the trajectory of 2022 SF289. Although the chance of a lunar collision remains low, the event is considered noteworthy due to the object’s massive size and high velocity.
“A direct hit on the Moon could produce a large visible crater and throw up dust that could temporarily affect lunar-based equipment or future missions,” said a planetary defence scientist involved in the observation project.
The timing of the asteroid’s flyby is raising interest, as it comes just months after the planned Artemis III mission, which aims to return humans to the Moon. If the asteroid were to strike, it could pose risks to planned infrastructure and observation stations.
Astronomers stress that there is no cause for panic, but agree that the event serves as a strong reminder of how vulnerable even nearby celestial bodies like the Moon are to space hazards
