A newly detected asteroid, 2024 YR4, has a greater than one percent chance of colliding with Earth in about eight years. While scientists aren't panicking, they are closely monitoring its trajectory. If it does hit, the impact has the potential for city-level devastation. The asteroid is currently rated at Level 3 out of 10 on the Torino Impact Hazard Scale, which signifies a 'close encounter'.
A colossal explosion in the sky, unleashing energy hundreds of times greater than the Hiroshima bomb. A blinding flash nearly as bright as the sun. Shockwaves powerful enough to flatten everything for miles.It may sound apocalyptic, but a newly detected asteroid nearly the size of a football field now has a greater than one percent chance of colliding with Earth in about eight years.Such an impact has the potential for city-level devastation, depending on where it strikes.
Further observations ruled out an impact.'City killer' categoryThe most infamous asteroid impact occurred 66 million years ago, when a six-mile-wide space rock triggered a global winter, wiping out the dinosaurs and 75 percent of all species.By contrast, 2024 YR4 falls into the 'city killer' category.'If you put it over Paris or London or New York, you basically wipe out the whole city and some of the environs,' said Betts.
ASTRONOMICAL OBJECTS SPACE EXPLORATION ASTEROID IMPACTS PLANETARY DEFENSE SCIENTIFIC OBSERVATION
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Newly spotted asteroid has a tiny chance of hitting Earth in 2032A newly discovered asteroid has a tiny chance of striking Earth in 2032. NASA and the European Space Agency said Wednesday the chance of impact is slightly more than 1%. The asteroid was first spotted last month. It's estimated to be 130 to 330 feet across. It's much too soon to know where on Earth it might strike.
Read more »
Newly spotted asteroid has a tiny chance of hitting Earth in 2032A newly discovered asteroid has a tiny chance of striking Earth in 2032.
Read more »
Newly spotted asteroid has a tiny chance of hitting Earth in 2032A newly discovered asteroid has a tiny chance of striking Earth in 2032.
Read more »
Astronomers Discover Asteroid With 1% Chance of Hitting EarthWhile the odds of a sizable asteroid striking Earth are small, astronomers have discovered an asteroid, 2024 YR4, with a better than 1% chance of impacting our planet. This discovery has prompted the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) to begin tracking the asteroid's orbit and the Space Mission Planning Advisory Group (SMPAG) to explore potential mitigation missions.
Read more »
Asteroid 2024 YR4: 1 in 83 Chance of Hitting Earth in Next 8 YearsAn asteroid named 2024 YR4 has a small but real chance of impacting Earth within the next eight years, prompting international efforts to monitor its trajectory and prepare for potential mitigation strategies.
Read more »
Astronomers discover asteroid with a tiny chance of hitting Earth in 2032A newly discovered asteroid has a tiny chance of smacking Earth in 2032, space agency officials said Wednesday.
Read more »