NASA Tracks “City Killer” Asteroid 2024 YR4 with Potential Earth impact in 2032
In a groundbreaking revelation, NASA scientists have identified a near-Earth asteroid, 2024 YR4, that could pose a threat to our planet in the coming decade. Detected on december 27, 2024, by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS), this celestial body has sparked global attention due to its potential to collide with Earth on December 22, 2032.
With a diameter of approximately 55 meters, 2024 YR4 falls into the category of “City Killers”—asteroids capable of devastating entire cities upon impact. While it may not trigger a mass extinction event like the meteorite that wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago, its collision could release an estimated 8 megatons of energy, equivalent to 500 times the power of the Hiroshima atomic bomb.
According to calculations,the asteroid has a 1 in 83 (1.2%) chance of impacting Earth in 2032. However,scientists emphasize that such probabilities often decrease as more data is collected. “Asteroid 2024 YR4 has an almost 99 percent chance of safely passing Earth on 22 december 2032,” the European Space Agency (ESA) stated in a recent proclamation [3].
2024 YR4 is classified as an Apollo-type near-Earth object, meaning its orbit crosses Earth’s path. Over the next 50 years, it is indeed expected to make seven close approaches to our planet, with the frist occurring in 2028.The moast meaningful encounter, however, remains the 2032 event, which has prompted NASA and othre space agencies to intensify efforts in planetary defense.
This discovery underscores the importance of missions like NASA’s DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test), which aims to develop technologies to alter the trajectory of potentially hazardous asteroids.While the likelihood of 2024 YR4 causing catastrophic damage is low, its existence serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance in monitoring near-earth objects.
Key Facts About Asteroid 2024 YR4
| Attribute | Details |
|————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Discovery Date | December 27, 2024 |
| Diameter | ~55 meters |
| Classification | Apollo-type near-Earth object |
| Potential Impact Date | December 22, 2032 |
| Impact Probability | 1 in 83 (1.2%) |
| Energy Release | 8 megatons (500x Hiroshima atomic bomb) |
As astronomers continue to monitor 2024 YR4, the public is encouraged to stay informed about developments in planetary defense and the ongoing efforts to safeguard Earth from potential asteroid threats. For more details on the asteroid’s trajectory and monitoring efforts,visit the ESA’s Planetary Defence page world, raising concerns about potential impacts. According to a report from Live Science, astronomers are monitoring its trajectory to determine whether it could collide with Earth in the future. The stakes are high, and the scientific community is on high alert.
To better understand the situation, here’s a summary of key details:
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Celestial Body | A planet orbiting close to Earth |
| Monitoring | Astronomers are closely tracking its trajectory |
| Potential Threat | Risk of collision with Earth |
| Source | Live Science |
The planet’s proximity to Earth has sparked a wave of interest and concern. While it’s still too early to predict the outcome, the data collected so far suggests that this celestial body warrants close observation. Scientists are using advanced technology to track its movements and assess any potential dangers.
the implications of a collision could be catastrophic,making this a top priority for researchers. As the planet continues its orbit,astronomers will remain vigilant,analyzing every piece of data to ensure the safety of our planet. The findings from this ongoing study could provide critical insights into how we prepare for and mitigate such threats in the future.
For now, the scientific community urges the public to stay informed and trust in the rigorous monitoring efforts underway. As more facts becomes available, it will be shared to keep everyone updated on this developing story.
