Asteroid 2024 are rocky objects that move through space, and sometimes they come close to Earth. Recently, scientists discovered an asteroid named 2024 YR4, which has a small chance of hitting Earth in the year 2032. While the possibility of impact is low, astronomers are studying it carefully to understand its size, path, and potential risks.
NASA Tracks Asteroid 2024 YR4
The Asteroid 2024 was first seen in December 2024 using a telescope in Chile. Scientists estimate that it is between 40 to 90 meters wide, which is about the size of a large building. Although this is much smaller than the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs millions of years ago, it could still cause significant damage if it were to hit Earth. The impact could create an explosion and destruction over a large area, similar to past asteroid events that have been recorded.
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Scientists are using various telescopes around the world to track 2024 YR4. They observe how much sunlight it reflects to estimate its size, but this method is not always precise. To get a more accurate measurement, they plan to use the James Webb Space Telescope, which can detect heat. This will help them learn more about the asteroid’s structure and confirm whether it is truly a threat.
The Asteroid 2024 is currently moving farther from Earth and will disappear from view by April 2025. However, it will come back into sight in 2028. If scientists are unable to confirm that it will miss Earth, they will continue monitoring it until more data is available.
Asteroid 2024 of this size do not hit Earth very often, but when they do, they can cause serious damage. In 1908, a similar-sized asteroid exploded over a forest in Siberia, flattening thousands of trees. More recently, in 2013, a smaller asteroid enters Earth’s atmosphere over Russia and caused damage to buildings and injuries to people. If 2024 YR4 is on the larger end of its estimated size, it could have an even greater impact.
NASA and other space agencies are working on ways to prevent potential asteroid collisions. They have already tested technology to change an asteroid’s path, and they continue to improve these techniques. Scientists believe that with early detection and the right tools, they could protect Earth from dangerous asteroids in the future.
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For now, astronomers are gathering as much information as possible about 2024 YR4. If it turns out to be a threat, space agencies will have time to develop solutions. By studying and tracking asteroids, scientists can help keep our planet safe from potential impacts.
