Asteroid 2024 YR4’s collision risk with Earth has risen to 2.3 percent, up from 1 percent. NASA is assessing potential impact zones, with significant risks identified for countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. If it were to collide, the energy unleashed could surpass that of 500 atomic bombs, emphasizing the importance of close monitoring.
Asteroid 2024 YR4 has been identified as a growing potential threat to Earth, with its likelihood of collision now estimated at 2.3 percent, up from a previous estimate of 1 percent. Scientists express concern due to the limited data on the asteroid’s size and speed, with estimates suggesting it could be up to 200 meters in diameter. In light of this, NASA has commenced identifying possible impact zones to implement precautionary measures if necessary.
The implications of a collision with asteroid 2024 YR4 are severe. Such an event could devastate entire cities, generating energy comparable to that of over 500 atomic bombs. NASA’s risk assessment indicates that the potential impact zone for this asteroid extends across densely populated areas in countries such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
David Rankin, an engineer with NASA’s Catalina Sky Survey project, has charted a risk corridor for the asteroid’s potential fall, which spans from northern South America through southern Asia and parts of Africa. Rankin warns that while the chances of impact are low, the consequences of such an event should not be taken lightly. The asteroid’s discovery last December has caught the attention of NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), raising concerns about its threatening trajectory.
Currently classified in the most dangerous category on the Torino Scale with a score of three, asteroid 2024 YR4 is projected to pass within 106,000 kilometers of Earth on December 22, 2032. However, given the margin of error of 1.6 million kilometers, there remains a slender possibility of direct impact, warranting continuous monitoring by space agencies.
Asteroid 2024 YR4 poses a significant threat to Earth, especially to densely populated regions in South Asia and beyond. With the probability of collision increased to 2.3 percent, scientists are concerned about its potential to cause catastrophic destruction. The ongoing assessment of its trajectory and characteristics is vital for preparedness against a possible impact.
Original Source: www.india.com
