NASA is keeping an eye on 2024 YR4, a recently found asteroid that has garnered international attention. The likelihood of the space rock striking Earth in 2032 is 2%. Even if it appears impossible, specialists are keeping a careful eye on its path to make sure everyone is safe.
NASA’s Plan to Track 2024 YR4
NASA and other international space agencies are closely monitoring 2024 YR4, which was initially detected on December 27, 2024, by the ATLAS telescope in Chile. Since then, observatories like Hawaii’s Pan-STARRS and Chile’s Very Large Telescope have gathered important data.
In March 2025, the asteroid will be studied by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) using infrared technology. Its size, speed, and trajectory may therefore be more accurately approximated.
How Big is 2024 YR4?
NASA estimates the asteroid is between 131 and 295 feet (40 to 90 meters) wide—comparable to a large building. If it were to hit Earth, the impact could cause regional devastation
For context:
- The 2013 Chelyabinsk meteor, which was 66 feet (20 meters) wide, injured over 1,000 people.
- The Tunguska event in 1908 measured 98 feet (30 meters) wide and flattened 2,150 square kilometers of Siberian woods.
- Dinosaur extinction asteroid: 6.2 miles (10 km) across.
What Happens If 2024 YR4 Hits Earth?
Damage from a collision will be determined by the size and speed of the asteroid. The estimated speed of 2024 YR4 is 38,028 mph (17 km/s), according to scientists.
- Possible consequences: Shockwaves that cause buildings to crumble and windows to break.
- fireball explosion in the atmosphere having a blast radius of up to fifty kilometers (31 miles).
Fortunately, according to NASA, asteroidal hits of this size only occur only every few thousand years.
Can 2024 YR4 Be Deflected?
With the DART mission (2022), NASA successfully tested asteroid deflection, demonstrating that a collision from a spacecraft may change an asteroid’s course. If necessary, a similar mission could be launched before 2032 to prevent impact.
What’s Next?
- Visible to telescopes until April 2025.
- Leaves Earth’s view until June 2028—NASA will reassess its trajectory.
- If risk increases, NASA will explore deflection strategies.
Final Thoughts
NASA will continue to monitor and refine forecasts, even if the likelihood of a 2% effect is minimal. Planetary defenses and early detection will ensure Earth’s safety.
Source: CNN News
