A recently discovered asteroid, 2024 YR4, has a 2% chance of colliding with Earth in 2032, but experts stress that the probability is still low. NASA and the European Space Agency are closely monitoring its trajectory and will observe it in March using the Webb Space Telescope.
A newly discovered asteroid, 2024 YR4 , has sparked some concern as its path around the sun is being closely tracked. While the chance of it colliding with Earth in 2032 is currently estimated at 2%, experts emphasize that this is still an exceptionally low probability. NASA and the European Space Agency's Webb Space Telescope are planning to observe this near-Earth asteroid in March, which will help scientists refine its trajectory and size.
Until then, the risk level will likely fluctuate, possibly even dropping to zero as our understanding of its orbit improves.Asteroids, remnants from the solar system's formation, are rocky bodies orbiting the sun. Millions reside in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, but some can be dislodged and venture closer to Earth. 2024 YR4, detected in December by a telescope in Chile, is estimated to be between 130 and 300 feet in diameter. Its potential impact, should it occur, would depend on its exact size and point of impact. A smaller asteroid could cause localized damage similar to the Tunguska event in 1908, while a larger one could have significantly more severe consequences.NASA is actively monitoring the asteroid's path and has already demonstrated its ability to nudge asteroids off course through its 2022 Dart mission, which successfully altered the orbit of a harmless asteroid. Experts urge the public not to panic, emphasizing that the current risk level is minimal and that scientists are diligently working to assess the situation. Once the Webb telescope provides more precise measurements, NASA will be able to better predict the potential impact and develop any necessary deflection strategies
Asteroid 2024 YR4 Earth Collision NASA Webb Space Telescope Planetary Defense
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