Produced by: Manoj Kumar
A newly discovered asteroid, 2024 YR4, was first observed by a telescope in Chile, raising concerns among scientists about its potential trajectory towards Earth in 2032.
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NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies estimates the asteroid has a slightly more than 1% chance of striking Earth, though experts stress that the probability may change with further observations.
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On Christmas Day 2024, the asteroid passed within 500,000 miles of Earth—roughly twice the distance of the moon—before being detected two days later by astronomers.
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Scientists, including Paul Chodas of NASA, are monitoring its orbit closely. Observations from past sky surveys, including data from 2016, may help refine its trajectory.
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According to the European Space Agency (ESA), this asteroid currently tops its risk list due to its size and the possibility of impact, though precise calculations remain uncertain.
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Estimates suggest the asteroid measures between 130 and 330 feet in diameter—large enough to cause significant regional damage if it were to collide with Earth.
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NASA and ESA report that the asteroid will soon fade from visibility. Scientists plan to use the world’s most powerful telescopes to gather additional data before it disappears until 2028.
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If the asteroid were to strike, it could cause significant destruction. Studies on past asteroid impacts suggest that objects of similar size have altered landscapes and ecosystems.
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NASA reassures that no other large asteroids currently pose a risk above 1%. However, continued monitoring is crucial, as even small trajectory shifts can change impact probabilities.
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