Asteroid 2024 YR4, measuring between 40 to 100 meters wide, is expected to come dangerously close to Earth on December 22, 2032. Early calculations suggest a 2.3% probability of impact. If it does collide, it could hit heavily populated regions, including parts of India, South Asia, and Africa.
1. Where Could 2024 YR4 Hit?
Scientists have mapped a “risk corridor,” outlining potential impact locations: Eastern Pacific Ocean, Northern South America, Atlantic Ocean, Africa, Arabian Sea, and South Asia, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
2. What Damage Could It Cause?
If 2024 YR4 strikes, it won’t be an extinction-level event, but it could be highly destructive. An impact could trigger massive explosions equivalent to multiple nuclear bombs, cause shockwaves strong enough to flatten buildings, and generate tsunamis if it lands in an ocean. The asteroid’s potential for destruction is similar to the 1908 Tunguska Event in Russia, which leveled 2,000 square kilometers of forest.
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3. NASA’s Plan: Can We Stop It?
NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and other global space agencies are tracking 2024 YR4. The James Webb Space Telescope will observe it in 2025 to refine trajectory predictions. If the risk increases, deflection strategies like NASA’s DART mission (crashing a spacecraft into an asteroid to change its path) or, in extreme cases, nuclear deterrence, may be considered.
4. Should We Be Worried?
Despite concerns, experts say there is a 97.7% chance that 2024 YR4 will safely pass Earth. Historically, as more data becomes available, impact probabilities decrease. Scientists continue to monitor the asteroid to ensure no surprises.
Final Thoughts
Asteroid 2024 YR4 is a reminder of why planetary defense matters. While the chances of impact are low, preparedness and tracking remain crucial. With NASA and international experts monitoring the situation, the world will have time to react if necessary. Until then, space enthusiasts and scientists alike will keep an eye on this fast-moving space rock.
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