Asteroid 2024 YR4: Rising Impact Risk and Potential Destruction

Asteroid 2024 YR4’s impact probability has increased to 2.3%, raising concerns due to its potential energy release exceeding 500 atomic bombs if it collides with Earth. NASA is monitoring potential impact regions, particularly in South Asia, as the asteroid approaches a close pass on December 22, 2032.

Asteroid 2024 YR4 poses an alarming risk of collision with Earth, with its odds of impact now estimated at 2.3%, rising from the previous 1%. This increase has scientists concerned due to the lack of information regarding the asteroid’s velocity and size, which is thought to be approximately 200 meters in diameter. NASA has begun preparing potential impact areas for this asteroid to mitigate risks to human life.

If asteroid 2024 YR4 were to collide with Earth, it could unleash destructive energy equivalent to over 500 atomic bombs. The impact zone identified by NASA includes regions in densely populated countries such as India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. This alarming potential for catastrophic destruction highlights the need for advanced preparedness efforts.

David Rankin, an engineer with NASA’s Catalina Sky Survey, has defined a risk corridor for asteroid 2024 YR4, stretching from northern South America to the Pacific Ocean, southern Asia, and parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Countries noted within this corridor include India, Pakistan, Ethiopia, and Nigeria, among others. Rankin emphasized the seriousness of the situation: “Although the impact is unlikely, if 2024 YR4 hits Earth, we cannot ignore the possible consequences.”

Discovered in December, asteroid 2024 YR4 is now classified within the most hazardous category, rated three on the Torino scale due to its potential threat. Current projections indicate it will pass close to Earth on December 22, 2032, at a distance of 106,000 km, with a narrow potential collision strip spanning from Central America to parts of Africa and India. This information underscores the necessity for ongoing monitoring and assessment of the asteroid’s trajectory.

In summary, asteroid 2024 YR4 represents a significant risk of impact with Earth, particularly affecting densely populated areas in South Asia and beyond. The increase in collision probability to 2.3% has heightened concerns among scientists regarding its potential destructive capacity. Continuous monitoring and preparedness plans are essential as the predicted close passage approaches in December 2032.

Original Source: www.india.com