Recently, scientists have discovered a new asteroid called 2024 YR4, which can hit the Earth on 22 December 2032. Let us tell you that although its probability of collision is a little more than 1%, but still scientists are keeping a close watch on it. This asteroid was first seen by a telescope in Chile in December 2023. Today we will tell you that
In this article, we will understand in detail the size, orbit, probability of impact, and scientists’ point of view of this asteroid. Also, we will know what could be its possible effects if it hits the Earth.
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2024 YR4: Is it really a threat to the Earth?
Scientists from NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) are constantly monitoring this asteroid. Its size can be between 40 to 100 meters (130 to 330 feet). This asteroid is currently orbiting the Sun and is slowly moving away from Earth. However, scientists say that as more data becomes available about its orbital path, its chances of collision may decrease to zero. Paul Chodas, (director of NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies) said: “We are not worried at all, because there is a 99% chance that it will not hit the Earth, but it is still important to keep an eye on it.
Discovery and current status of 2024 YR4
It came closest to Earth on Christmas 2023 (December 25) and passed at a distance of about 500,000 miles (800,000 kilometers). This distance is about twice the distance of the Moon from Earth.
It was first discovered in Chile on **December 27, 2023
It will slowly fade out of sight in the coming months and will be seen again in 2028.
Scientists are searching for old pictures and data to confirm whether it will actually hit Earth in 2032.
If scientists find its pictures in 2016 celestial surveys, they will be able to confirm more precisely whether it will collide or not
What will happen if 2024 YR4 hits Earth?
According to ESA, an asteroid of this size hits Earth every few thousand years, causing major devastation locally
If it hits Earth, then:
- Massive destruction: Asteroids up to 100 meters can completely devastate a city-sized area.
- Threat of tsunami: If it falls into the sea, giant waves can arise, causing heavy damage to coastal areas.
- Atmospheric impact: The dust and debris arising from the collision can remain in the atmosphere for several days
At present, it is too early to say where and how much destruction it can cause if it hits Earth, but scientists are keeping a close eye on its orbit.
Is there any way to protect Earth from such asteroids?
Space organizations like NASA and ESA have made several plans to protect Earth from asteroids.
DART Mission (2022):
NASA conducted a test in 2022 under the DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) mission in which they deliberately changed the direction of a small asteroid by colliding with it.
This mission was successful and it proved that if an asteroid is heading towards Earth, then the collision can be prevented by changing its direction.
Future plans:
Scientists are also considering technologies like laser beam, nuclear blast and robotic space mission to avoid the threat of large asteroids in future.
Do we need to fear 2024 YR4?
For now, there is no major threat from this asteroid, as there is a 99% chance that it will not hit Earth. However, scientists are constantly monitoring it and new information about its impact may come out in the future.
According to NASA, At present 2024 YR4 is the only asteroid that has a *more than 1% chance of hitting*, but there is no other major threat to Earth in the near future.
2024 YR4: Asteroid to hit Earth in 2032? What did NASA say?
Conclusion
2024 YR4 is a newly discovered asteroid, which is said to have a more than 1% chance of hitting Earth in 2032. However, scientists are not worried about it and this probability may fall to zero in the coming years.
Still, this incident is a reminder that there are many dangerous asteroids in the universe, and we need to constantly adopt new technological measures to protect the Earth.
Do you think we will be able to save the Earth from a big asteroid in the future? Tell us your opinion in the comments