A newly discovered asteroid, 2024 YR4, has raised concerns about a potential impact on Earth in 2032. However, scientists say the risk is still extremely low and unlikely to increase.
According to NASA and the European Space Agency’s Webb Space Telescope, there is a 2% chance of the asteroid colliding with our planet in 2032, but a 98% chance it will safely pass by. The odds of an impact may fluctuate as scientists continue to study the asteroid’s path around the sun.
The asteroid, estimated to be between 40 meters to 90 meters (130 feet to 300 feet) across, was discovered in December and is now being tracked by telescopes in Chile and Hawaii. NASA and the ESA are monitoring its course closely, with observations from the Webb telescope expected to provide a more precise measurement.
Experts caution that it’s too early to panic, as the asteroid’s size and potential impact location are uncertain. However, if the asteroid were to strike Earth, the consequences would be severe, ranging from local impacts similar to the Tunguska event in 1908 to significantly worse effects if it were closer to 100 meters.
To prepare for any potential threats, NASA has experience nudging asteroids with its Dart spacecraft. The space agency conducted a planetary defense test in 2022, demonstrating its ability to alter an asteroid’s orbit.
While the risk of impact is low, scientists will continue to monitor the asteroid’s course and make adjustments as necessary. As one expert noted, “You don’t have to be worried about anything. It’s a curiosity.”
Source: https://apnews.com/article/asteroid-2024-yr4-earth-2032-5c353e2ee53bb1ecd68a562611d54062