An asteroid, 40-100 meters in size, has a 1.3% chance of hitting Earth in December 2032. Space agencies are monitoring its trajectory and considering options to divert or destroy the object. Local destruction is possible if it impacts, but continent-wide damage is unlikely.
An asteroid, designated 2024 YR4, has been discovered with a significant chance of colliding with Earth in December 2032. The asteroid is estimated to be between 40 and 100 meters in diameter, similar in size to the one that caused the Tunguska explosion in 1908. Despite its small size, it poses a local threat if it were to hit.
The probability of a collision is 1.3%, which is higher than the usual threshold for triggering global response plans. Space agencies, including NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), are closely monitoring the asteroid’s trajectory. The asteroid’s elongated orbit makes it difficult to predict its exact path, but astronomers are using advanced telescopes to gather more data.
If the asteroid were to hit, it would likely cause local destruction within a radius of several tens of kilometers. However, it is unlikely to cause continent-wide destruction or a civilization-ending event. To mitigate this risk, space agencies are considering diverting or destroying the asteroid using spacecraft like NASA’s Dart mission.
The discovery of 2024 YR4 highlights the importance of asteroid tracking and response planning. It also underscores the need for continued investment in space surveillance technology to detect and predict potential threats.
1. What is the size of the asteroid?
Answer: The asteroid is estimated to be between 40 and 100 meters in diameter.
2. What is the probability of the asteroid hitting Earth?
Answer: The probability of a collision is 1.3%.
3. What are the potential consequences of an impact?
Answer: Local destruction within a radius of several tens of kilometers.
4. Are there any plans to divert or destroy the asteroid?
Answer: Yes, space agencies are considering options to divert or destroy the asteroid using spacecraft.
5. How is the asteroid’s trajectory being monitored?
Answer: Astronomers are using advanced telescopes, including the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope, to gather more data about the asteroid’s size and trajectory.
The discovery of asteroid 2024 YR4 highlights the ongoing threat of near-Earth objects and the importance of continuous monitoring and response planning. While the probability of a collision is low, the potential consequences are significant, emphasizing the need for preparedness and mitigation strategies.
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