Asteroid 2024 YR4’s risk of colliding with Earth has increased to 2.3%, prompting NASA’s attention. If it impacts, it could unleash energy exceeding 500 atomic bombs, threatening densely populated areas in countries like India and Pakistan. A designated risk corridor has been identified, and close monitoring is imperative as future data about the asteroid is collected.
Asteroid 2024 YR4 poses an increasing risk of collision with Earth, with recent estimates raising the probability from 1% to 2.3%. This asteroid, potentially measuring up to 200 meters, remains a concern due to limited information regarding its speed.
NASA is proactively identifying possible impact areas should the threat materialize, concentrating efforts on densely populated regions in countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. A collision could unleash destructive energy equivalent to that of over 500 atomic bombs, jeopardizing entire cities.
David Rankin, an engineer with NASA’s Catalina Sky Survey, has designated a risk corridor stretching from northern South America to parts of Asia and Africa, identifying key countries at risk. While the chance of impact is low, Rankin cautions against underestimating potential consequences.
Discovered last December, 2024 YR4 has garnered significant attention from NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) due to its heightened threat level, now rated as a category three on the Torino scale. The asteroid is set to pass notably close to Earth on December 22, 2032.
Projected to fly within approximately 106,000 km of Earth, 2024 YR4’s trajectory poses a risk corridor extending from western Central America to northern South America and areas in Africa, with potential implications for India and other nations. Vigilance and preparedness remain paramount as further observations are needed to ascertain its characteristics and trajectory.
Asteroid 2024 YR4 presents an escalating threat of collision with Earth, with estimates indicating a 2.3% likelihood. The implications of such a collision are severe, with potential devastation across several countries, including India and Pakistan. Proactive monitoring and risk assessments are crucial as scientists continue to gather data on its trajectory and size.
Original Source: www.india.com
