A 130- to 300-foot-wide asteroid named “2024 YR4” has raised concerns among astronomers as its chances of hitting Earth are increasing. As of February 12, the odds stand at 2.1% or a 1-in-48 chance of impact. According to NASA’s Torino scale, which measures asteroid collisions’ potential hazards, this is considered a localized damage threat.
While the chances are still relatively low, experts advise against panic or celebration. NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office has been monitoring the asteroid, and their Near-Earth Object Surveyor space telescope launch later this decade will improve detection capabilities. The agency has also successfully tested asteroid-deflection technology in 2022.
Meanwhile, a phone call between US President Trump, Ukrainian President Zelensky, and Russian President Putin raised concerns among NATO allies that Trump’s diplomatic efforts might be backing Ukraine into a corner. The call sparked controversy over whether Trump is pushing for talks while taking some of his demands off the table.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/02/12/asteroid-earth-impact-risk