NASA’s recent report revealed that the newly identified asteroid 2024 YR4 has a lower chance of colliding with Earth in December 2032 compared to previous estimates. The impact, if it were to occur, could lead to the destruction of an entire city.
Summary of necessary information to understand.
- NASA revised the risk assessment of asteroid 2024 YR4, resulting in a decreased probability of impact to 1.8%.
- Hitting Earth could result in the destruction of a whole city or the creation of a tsunami.
- Scientists advise being cautious as new calculations could alter the situation.
What does asteroid 2024 YR4 refer to?
The 2024 YR4 asteroid, measuring between 40 and 90 meters in width, was recently identified by astronomers. It belongs to the category of “Near Earth Objects” (NEOs), which are celestial bodies that approach our planet. However, unlike previously observed asteroids, this one has a trajectory that could potentially intersect with Earth.
If the 2024 YR4 collides with the planet, it could cause significant destruction. Research suggests that the impact would be as powerful as 500 Hiroshima-sized nuclear bombs, potentially devastating a city or triggering a tsunami if it lands in the ocean.
Do you need to be concerned at this moment?
Scientists are urging for calm despite the alert, emphasizing that NASA’s calculations are still based on initial data and may evolve with more observations. This uncertainty has been seen before, such as with the asteroid Apophis, which was initially thought to have a chance of colliding with Earth in 2029 but was later determined to be not a threat.
NASA and other space agencies are already exploring potential methods to change or eliminate an asteroid’s path if new calculations indicate a significant collision risk. The DART mission in 2022 demonstrated the feasibility of modifying an asteroid’s trajectory by impacting it with a spacecraft, which could be considered as a viable solution if the threat remains.
Which countries are susceptible to being impacted?
Experts like David Rankin, an engineer at NASA’s Catalina Sky Survey Project, have devised a risk runner to forecast the potential impact site of a collision. According to Rankin’s analysis, the asteroid is projected to land in:
- South America’s northern tip.
- South Asian region.
- The body of water known as the Arabian Sea.
- North Africa.
- The expanse of water known as the Pacific Ocean.
The expert advises staying current with updates, but without feeling anxious.