Asteroid 2024 YR4 has sparked concerns as its trajectory suggests a possible collision with Earth in seven years. To mitigate this risk, NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office is closely monitoring the asteroid and developing protocols to address any potential threats.
According to scientists, if 2024 YR4 were to hit Earth, it would likely cause significant damage across a wide area, affecting countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Sudan, Nigeria, Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador. The chances of an impact are estimated at one in 43 (2.3 percent), almost double the previous odds.
To prepare for this eventuality, NASA is utilizing its Planetary Defense Coordination Office to track near-Earth objects, including asteroids and comets. This department works closely with the US federal government to identify potential threats and develop strategies to prevent or mitigate any damage.
Dr Kelly Fast, a NASA asteroid expert, explained that preventing an asteroid impact would be crucial: “An asteroid impact is the only natural disaster that could be prevented.” According to Dr Fast, discovering asteroids years in advance allows for deflection missions, which could potentially deflect the asteroid’s trajectory.
In 2022, NASA conducted the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission, testing the feasibility of deflection methods. The $324 million experiment involved crashing a spacecraft into an asteroid, measuring its momentum to determine how much force would be required to deflect it. While not directly targeting 2024 YR4, this research will aid in developing strategies for potential asteroid threats.
In the event of an imminent threat, NASA would issue official alerts to governments and the public, with the United Nations being informed. The agency’s goal is to provide a timely warning, allowing countries to take necessary precautions to protect their populations.
Source: https://www.ladbible.com/news/science/nasa-asteroid-earth-protocol-2024-yr4-208901-20250214