Scientists Warn About ‘City-Destroying’ Asteroid That Could Hit Earth

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NASA Says Newly Spotted Asteroid ‘Deserves Attention’

A newly discovered asteroid has a small chance of colliding with Earth in 2032, and it’s caught NASA’s attention.

What We Know About Asteroid 2024 YR4

The asteroid, named 2024 YR4, was first spotted on December 27, 2023, by a telescope in Chile.

It was detected from nearly 27 million miles away and is estimated to be between 130 to 330 feet (40 to 100 meters) across.

However, its exact size could change as more data is collected.

At this size, it has the potential to wipe out an entire city, such as Kansas City, according to Mashable.

How Likely Is It to Hit Earth?

NASA scientists say that while the asteroid is worth monitoring, there is only a 1.2% chance it will actually collide with Earth.

Paul Chodas, director of NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), reassured the public:

“We are not worried at all because of this 99% chance it will miss. But it deserves attention.”

David Rankin, an astronomer who spoke to Space.com, agreed:

“People should absolutely not worry about this yet. The impact probability is still very low, and the most likely outcome will be a close-approaching rock that misses us.”

Where Would It Hit?

Right now, the asteroid’s “risk corridor” (the area where it could potentially impact) stretches from South America across the Atlantic Ocean to Sub-Saharan Africa.

However, this could change as scientists refine their calculations.

Why Size and Composition Matter

The asteroid’s size and material composition will determine the damage it could cause. Rankin explains:

  • If stony, it could explode in the atmosphere and create a large fireball.
  • If metallic, it could punch through the atmosphere and form an impact crater.

Since 2024 YR4 is still far away, measuring its exact size is difficult.

Scientists currently estimate its dimensions based on its brightness, but this method isn’t always accurate.

A more precise measurement will be possible by 2028, when it gets closer to Earth.

When Could It Strike?

If 2024 YR4 does impact Earth, it would happen on December 22, 2032.

Should We Be Worried?

For now, NASA says there’s no reason to panic. The good news?

No other large asteroids currently have a risk above 1% of hitting Earth.

Scientists will continue tracking 2024 YR4 to get a clearer picture of its path and potential impact.

Stay tuned for updates as NASA and astronomers gather more data on this space rock.


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