Asteroid 2024 YR4 Threat Assessment

NASA is monitoring a hazardous asteroid named 2024 YR4, which is 150-300 feet wide. Astronomers are assessing the likelihood of it impacting Earth.

Potential Impact of Asteroid 2024 YR4 on Earth

A newly identified space rock, potentially as big as a football field, has a 1.6% chance of crashing into Earth on Dec. 22, 2032, according to the International Asteroid Warning Network. The asteroid, known as 2024 YR4, could cause considerable localized damage if it impacts a populated area. The asteroid is estimated to be between 40 to 90 meters in diameter.

Asteroid Threat to Earth

Astronomers warn that an asteroid the size of a football pitch could potentially hit Earth in 7 years, with a 1.2% chance of collision. The asteroid, named 2024 YR4, is currently the highest risk on the asteroid risk list. NASA scientists are considering various methods to prevent a collision, including crashing a sacrificial spacecraft into the asteroid or using nuclear warheads on larger asteroids.