A large asteroid named 2024 YR4 may hit Earth within the next decade, according to NASA. The space rock is between 130-330 feet in diameter and has a 1.3% chance of making direct impact on December 22, 2032. While the likelihood is low, astronomers are monitoring its unique orbit to learn as much as possible before it disappears from view.
Astronomers first spotted 2024 YR4 moving away from Earth on December 27 and reported it to the International Astronomical Union Minor Planet Center. Its elongated path takes the asteroid around the sun and into Earth’s vicinity, but it ventures far out between Mars and Jupiter.
Experts say that because of its orbit, astronomers are trying to learn everything they can about 2024 YR4 before it disappears in April. It’s not expected to be visible again until 2028. The end of 2032 is when astronomers predict the asteroid will come close to Earth again, with further observations expected to provide data on its likelihood of avoiding a hit.
NASA estimates that asteroids of this size could cause localized damage if they strike populated cities. A similar-sized asteroid exploded in Siberia in 1908, flattening trees over an area of about 1,250 miles. Congress has tasked NASA with tracking asteroids larger than 450 feet, which could potentially cause regional damage.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/US/small-chance-asteroid-hit-earth-decade-nasa/story?id=118309189