NASA warns of asteroid, on December 22, 2032, an asteroid named 2024 YR4 may strike Earth. Although the danger is still minimal, since it was first discovered in late 2024, the likelihood has almost doubled.
Asteroid 2024 YR4: Possible 2032 impact.
On December 27, 2024, 2024 YR4 was discovered in Chile by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS). Its diameter is thought to be between 130 and 300 feet. To ascertain its true impact danger, scientists are keeping a careful eye on its route.
Current NASA Estimates
NASA initially reported a 1.2% probability of impact, but the latest calculations suggest a 2.3% chance (1 in 43). The agency emphasized that while this remains an extremely low probability, it has increased over time and could continue to change as more observations are made.
Possible Effects and Repercussions
YR4 would probably hit Earth in 2024 at around 38,000 miles per hour. Although a collision with a large asteroid is unlikely to be dangerous on a worldwide scale, it might result in serious localized harm..
Ongoing Monitoring and Future Observations
The asteroid will remain visible to ground-based telescopes through April 2025. After that, it will become too faint to track until June 2028. NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope will study the asteroid in March to refine size and trajectory estimates.
What Happens Next?
NASA is still evaluating the orbit of 2024 YR4 and determining how risky it is. It is hoped that more observations will enable scientists to rule out such influence. They do, however, also admit that the effect likelihood may keep increasing.
In conclusion
Asteroid 2024 YR4 serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for asteroid monitoring and planetary defense strategies. NASA is making every effort to monitor its course and be prepared for any eventuality, despite the extremely low likelihood of a hit.
Source: NBC News
