A massive asteroid, known as YR4, has increased its threat level due to a recent calculation that reduced the likelihood of collision with our planet from one in ten to one in forty-three. The asteroid, approximately 40-100 meters wide, would cause destruction equivalent to that of a hundred nuclear bombs if it were to hit Earth.
According to NASA’s calculations, YR4 will pass close to Earth around Christmas 2032 and its impact could create a crater the size of a city. The potential strike zone includes regions such as South America, southern Asia, Africa, the Arabian Sea, and the Pacific Ocean.
While the likelihood of collision remains low, scientists are putting together planet defense plans in case YR4 needs to be diverted from its course. Possible deflection methods include solar lasers, nuclear bombs, and kinetic impactors. However, experts warn that time is running out to use these methods.
The European Space Agency has drawn a “risk corridor” depicting the potential landing channel of the asteroid, but the precise location of its impact will depend on the Earth’s rotation. Nations in the predicted path include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Sudan, Nigeria, and others.
Despite the uncertainty, scientists urge citizens not to panic, as continuous reassessment of YR4’s trajectory is ongoing. International agencies are preparing for the worst-case scenario and exploring various deflection methods, but the deadline to act remains tight.
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/where-will-the-city-killer-asteroid-yr4-hit-these-are-the-countries-that-are-under-its-potential-strike-zone/articleshow/118258363.cms?from=mdr