Recent reports from NASA indicate that the chances of a giant asteroid, named Asteroid 2024 YR4, striking Earth have decreased to 1.5%. While this probability is lower than previous estimates, international space agencies are actively working on a plan to potentially obliterate the asteroid if necessary.
Measuring between 130 and 300 feet in width, the asteroid is comparable in size to the Statue of Liberty. If it were to impact Earth in December 2032, approximately 110 million people would be at risk due to its estimated speed of 38,000 mph.
Scientists predict that the asteroid would likely hit areas such as the eastern Pacific Ocean, northern South America, the Atlantic Ocean, Africa, the Arabian Sea, or South Asia. Despite being classified as a Level 3 out of 10 on the asteroid hazard scale, it still poses a threat of localized destruction.
NASA and the European Space Agency are planning to observe the asteroid using the Webb Space Telescope in March to gather more information about its trajectory. The asteroid is expected to reappear in 2028, allowing astronomers to refine their predictions and potentially reduce the probability of impact to zero.
While the situation is being closely monitored, there is no immediate cause for panic. However, experts emphasize the importance of early planning and preparation to effectively deal with any potential threat posed by Asteroid 2024 YR4.
This alert level is the second highest recorded since 2004 when another asteroid, Apophis, reached Level 4 before researchers determined that it would safely pass Earth in 2029.
