NASA’s asteroid 2024 YR4 has been classified as a ‘city destroyer’ due to its size and potential Earth impact on December 22, 2032. With a 2% chance of collision, countries like India could be affected. Currently rated Torino Scale 3, it poses a significant risk if it impacts. Astronomers are monitoring it as it continues its path around the Sun, with a safe return expected in 2028.
NASA has identified the asteroid 2024 YR4, which poses an average 2% chance of impacting Earth on December 22, 2032. Discovered by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ALERT) in December 2024, it is referred to as a ‘city destroyer’ due to its significant size and speed. Measuring approximately 40 to 90 meters in diameter, its potential collision raises concerns, particularly for countries like India.
According to NASA, in the event of a collision, a risk corridor exists that covers parts of the eastern Pacific Ocean, northern South America, and various regions including South Asia and countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and others. These areas could fall within the impact zone, reflecting the asteroid’s potential threat.
Currently rated as a Torino Scale 3, 2024 YR4 presents a ‘close encounter meriting attention’ with a collision probability exceeding 1%. If it were to collide, it could cause localized destruction due to its size. The asteroid is projected to strike at high velocity, around 17 kilometers per second, which translates to approximately 38,000 mph.
Space journalist Kate Arkless Gray explained, “At around 40 meters, the hit would be ‘something like an air blast,’ i.e., there wouldn’t be too much damage except shattering of some windows. However, on the 90 meters end of the scale, we’re looking at what they would call a city killer, where if it was to land on a major city – and there are a few in the potential hit zone – that would be disastrous.”
As of January 31, 2025, 2024 YR4 is 48 million kilometers from Earth and currently moving away on its trajectory around the Sun. However, it is expected to safely return to Earth’s vicinity in 2028, warranting ongoing monitoring by astronomers.
In summary, the asteroid 2024 YR4 presents a 2% chance of impacting Earth, with potential risks spanning several countries in its projected path. Its classification on the Torino Scale indicates a noteworthy risk that underscores the need for continued monitoring as its return approach to Earth is anticipated in 2028. Public awareness is essential given its potential to cause localized destruction, particularly if it impacts a major urban area.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
