A newly discovered Asteroid 2024, named YR4, has caught the attention of scientists. Some reports suggest there is a small chance that it might hit Earth in 2032. However, experts say there is no need to panic as the chances of impact are still very low. Let’s understand what this asteroid is and how scientists track it.
Asteroid 2024 YR4 Impact Risk
Asteroids are small space rocks that orbit the sun. They are much smaller than planets and are believed to be leftovers from the formation of the solar system, about 4.6 billion years ago. Most asteroids are found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, but sometimes they get pushed out and move closer to Earth.
Read Also: Eddie Jordan’s Journey: From Racer to Successful Team Owner, Businessman, and Formula 1 Analyst
In December 2024, astronomers in Chile discovered asteroid 2024 YR4. It is estimated to be between 40 meters to 90 meters (130 feet to 300 feet) wide. NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) have been observing its path to determine if it poses any real danger.
Initially, the chances of the asteroid hitting Earth were just over 1%. Recently, new calculations have slightly increased the chances to 2%. However, this still means there is a 98% chance that it will safely pass by Earth. Scientists expect that future observations will further reduce the impact risk to zero.
NASA and ESA plan to observe the asteroid again in March 2025 using the Webb Space Telescope. This will help them get a more accurate idea of its size and orbit. If necessary, they will track it again in 2028 when it comes closer to Earth.
If asteroid 2024 YR4 is on the smaller side, its impact would be similar to the Tunguska event of 1908, which flattened thousands of square miles of forest in Siberia. However, if it is closer to 100 meters wide, the damage could be much greater. Scientists are working on ways to deflect such asteroids if they ever pose a real threat.
NASA has already tested asteroid deflection. In 2022, the DART spacecraft was sent to hit an asteroid, successfully changing its path. If needed, a similar mission could be planned in the future to prevent an asteroid impact on Earth.
Follow For more Updates Join Our Telegram Channel
For now, there is no reason to worry about asteroid 2024 YR4. Scientists are closely tracking it and expect the impact risk to drop to zero. The study of such space objects helps experts improve planetary defense systems and keep Earth safe. Until more data is collected, we can be assured that scientists are keeping an eye on the situation.
