NASA scientists have just discovered an asteroid that could threaten Earth in the near future. Although it is not large enough to cause human extinction, it could completely destroy a major city.
 |
| The probability of Asteroid 2024 YR4 colliding with Earth in 2032 is about 1.2%. (Source: Getty Images) |
The asteroid named 2024 YR4 was discovered by NASA's Asteroid Impact Warning System (ATLAS) on December 27, 2024. According to researchers' calculations, the probability of colliding with Earth in 2032 is about 1.2% (equivalent to 1/83).
Measuring about 55 meters in size, this meteorite was not large enough to cause genocide, but its impact energy was estimated at about 8 Megatons - more than 500 times the explosive power of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Such a collision could completely wipe out a large city.
Over the next half century, Earth will have several close encounters with this asteroid. The first close encounter will take place in late 2028, followed by six more between 2032 and 2074. Of these, the most dangerous will be on December 22, 2032.
Given these factors, 2024 YR4 is classified as a Category 3 on the Torino Impact Hazard Scale, which calls for special attention from authorities and the public if the estimated impact date is less than a decade away. However, most asteroids at this level are eventually downgraded to Category 0, meaning the chance of impact is virtually zero.
It is threats like these that have prompted NASA and other space agencies to develop asteroid redirection technology, as demonstrated by the recent Dual Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission.
Although the chances of a catastrophic asteroid are very low, astronomers will continue to closely monitor 2024 YR4 as it orbits Earth.
Source
Comment (0)