The chances of Earth being hit by an asteroid in 2032 have roughly doubled to 2.3%, according to NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies. The asteroid, named 2024 YR, is estimated to be up to 90 meters across and will pass close to Earth on December 22, 2032. Initially predicted at a 1% chance of impact, the revised estimate comes as more data becomes available.
NASA warns that the actual probability of disaster may decrease as it studies the asteroid further. “New observations may result in reassignment of this asteroid to 0,” the space agency said. However, some experts express concerns that the world might be less prepared than necessary for a potential strike.
Asteroid 2024 YR has been assigned a Torino Impact Hazard Scale ranking of three, indicating a moderate level of danger. Several high-ranking asteroids have recently had their estimates revised downward as more information about their paths became available. Efforts to deflect or disrupt potentially hazardous asteroids, such as slamming spacecraft into them or using nuclear blasts, are underway.
Source: https://uk.news.yahoo.com/chance-earth-being-hit-asteroid-180616310.html