A potentially hazardous asteroid, 2024 YR4, is on a collision course with Earth, scheduled for impact assessment in 2032. With a non-zero probability of impacting our planet, astronomers are working to refine the asteroid’s orbit and prepare for potential consequences.
The discovery of Asteroid 2024 YR4 has sent shockwaves through the astronomical community, with a non-zero probability of impacting Earth on December 22, 2032. The asteroid, which was spotted by the NASA-funded ‘Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS)’ late last year, has been classified as a potentially hazardous object.
NASA's Asteroid tracking program detected Asteroid 2024 YR4, a small near-Earth object (NEO) with a diameter of approximately 10-20 meters.
Its closest approach to Earth was on October 27, 2024.
The asteroid's orbit is classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid (PHA), meaning it has a possibility of impacting our planet in the future.
Scientists are monitoring its trajectory to better understand its orbital path and potential risks.
What is the likelihood of impact?
According to astronomers, the asteroid has a little more than a 1% chance of impacting Earth in 2032. While this may seem alarming, ‘experts expect that further observations and data will refine the asteroid’s orbit, likely reducing the impact probability to zero.’
How big is 2024 YR4?
The asteroid is estimated to be between 130 to 300 feet wide, with an elongated shape and a possible stony composition. If it were to collide with Earth, it could cause an explosion in the atmosphere or create an impact crater, both of which would likely result in devastating damage.
What steps are being taken to protect Earth from asteroids?
NASA and space agencies around the world have been working on building a defense against asteroid threats. In 2022, NASA demonstrated its ability to nudge an incoming asteroid out of harm’s way by slamming a spacecraft into it as part of its ‘Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART)’. The European Space Agency is also planning to send a craft to observe the asteroid’s remnants.
Established in 1958, NASA is a US government agency responsible for the nation's civilian space program.
Its primary goal is to drive advancements in science, technology, and 'exploration of space'.
NASA conducts research on Earth's climate, weather, and natural resources, as well as explores our solar system and beyond.
The agency operates numerous spacecraft, including the International Space Station, Mars rovers, and the Hubble Space Telescope.
With a workforce of over 17,000 employees, NASA is a leading global authority in space exploration.
What can be done to prepare for potential asteroid impacts?
While the likelihood of impact from 2024 YR4 is low, astronomers and space agencies are taking steps to prepare for potential asteroid threats. NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office catalogs near-Earth objects that could crash into the planet, while the agency is also working on an asteroid-hunting telescope known as the ‘NEO Surveyor’.
Asteroids pose a significant threat to Earth's safety, with potential impacts causing massive destruction and loss of life.
To mitigate this risk, asteroid defense systems are being developed to detect, track, and deflect or destroy near-Earth asteroids.
NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office is responsible for coordinating national efforts in asteroid detection and tracking.
The European Space Agency's (ESA) Space Situational Awareness program also monitors asteroids and provides early warnings for potential impacts.
Conclusion
While the discovery of 2024 YR4 has raised concerns about a potential impact in 2032, experts expect that further observations and data will refine the asteroid’s orbit, likely reducing the impact probability to zero. As we continue to monitor this potentially hazardous object, it serves as a reminder of the importance of asteroid detection and mitigation efforts.
Additional Resources:
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‘NASA’s Sentry Impact Risk Table’
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‘European Space Agency’s NEO impact Risk List’
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‘Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART)’
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Planetary Defense Coordination Office
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‘NEO Surveyor’
