A recent update from the European Space Agency (ESA) has raised the chances of asteroid 2024 YR4 hitting Earth in 2032 to nearly double, from 1.2% to 2.2%. The asteroid is estimated to be up to 300ft wide and currently moving away from Earth.
According to Juan L Cano, an ESA scientist, the probability of the asteroid hitting Earth will either increase or decrease as more measurements come in. If the asteroid’s size exceeds 50 meters, the ESA will consider sending a space mission to intercept it.
The chances of an asteroid causing damage have also increased. NASA estimates that an asteroid of this size could kill up to one million people, depending on where it hits. The agency has warned that the impact could cause severe damage and trigger tsunamis in the event of an ocean strike.
Astronomers are closely monitoring the asteroid’s movement, with increasingly large telescopes being used to track its progress. The ESA and NASA have expressed concern over the potential threat posed by the asteroid, emphasizing the need for continued observation and analysis.
Source: https://uk.news.yahoo.com/asteroid-hit-earth-yr4-update-impact-nasa-416-asteroid-170800833.html