Asteroid 2024 YR4

8.Asteroid 2024 YR4: It is being closely monitored by UN planetary defence organisations due to a chance of impact in 2032.

  • About the impact probability: Estimated 1.3% chance of hitting Earth on 22 December 2032.
  • ESA assessment: 99% chance of a safe pass, but impact cannot be entirely ruled out.
  • Expert opinion: Royal Astronomical Society stated that such threats usually disappear with refined calculations.
  • Need for monitoring: Tracking resources for astronomers to take timely action.
  • Size & impact: Asteroid is estimated to be 40m–90m across, with impact energy comparable to a nuclear bomb if it hits a populated area.
  • Expected impact zone: Likely to fall into a remote location or ocean if it collides with Earth.
Risk rating: Currently rated level 3 out of 10 on the Torino Impact Hazard Scale.