A potentially hazardous asteroid called 2024 YR4 is expected to pass close to Earth on December 22, 2032. According to NASA, the odds of a collision are 2.3%, but this risk is higher than initially thought due to updated calculations. The asteroid, measuring 130-300 feet across, poses no existential threat but has the potential for localized destruction.
Monitoring efforts have already begun, with NASA tracking around 38,000 near-Earth objects (NEOs), including 2024 YR4. The James Webb Space Telescope will be used to further investigate the asteroid’s size and flight path before it becomes invisible in April 2028. This will provide valuable data on potential impact zones and warning times.
While evacuation of population centers is a possible solution, alternative measures such as sheltering in place or using reinforced buildings can also reduce damage. NASA has already tested asteroid deflection techniques through the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission, which successfully changed the orbit of an asteroid. Continued monitoring and collaboration are essential to ensure humanity’s preparedness for potential asteroid threats.
NASA is working on building a fleet of asteroid-deflecting spacecraft, but until then, joining forces with other sky-watchers to scan the skies and issue timely alerts will be crucial in protecting the planet.
Source: https://time.com/7225374/do-you-need-to-worry-about-asteroid-2024-yr4-hitting-earth