Newly Discovered Asteroid 2024 YR4 Could Hit Earth in 2032

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts:

1. Asteroid 2024 YR4 has a 1-in-83 chance of hitting Earth in December 2032.
2. The asteroid is currently 27 million miles away from Earth, moving in its orbit.
3. NASA’s CNEOS is actively tracking the asteroid and its projected impact.
4. If the asteroid hits Earth, it could cause an airburst explosion in the atmosphere.
5. If not impacting Earth, the asteroid is projected to come close to the Moon on December 22, 2032.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth:

Asteroid 2024 YR4: A New Threat? Astronomers have recently discovered a new asteroid, designated 2024 YR4, that poses a potential threat to Earth. This asteroid has a 1-in-83 chance of impacting Earth in December 2032. It follows a predictable orbit and is expected to make an approach once every eight years. Currently, it is located about 27 million miles away from Earth, but scientists are keeping a close eye on its trajectory.

Orbit and Distance from Earth: Asteroid 2024 YR4’s current orbit brings it within a relatively close range of Earth, approximately 27 million miles away. Its orbital cycle means that it periodically comes close to Earth, with a predicted proximity of 1,06,200 kilometers during its approach. The tracking of this asteroid by NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) is essential to understand the full extent of its risk.

Potential Impact and Atmospheric Explosion: If this asteroid impacts Earth, it could cause a catastrophic event in the atmosphere known as an “airburst.” The impact would release an enormous amount of energy, causing an explosion that might lead to a series of destructive consequences. This could include ground-level impacts creating craters or a significant environmental shift if it directly hits Earth’s surface.

Passage by the Moon: While the primary concern is an Earth impact, if the asteroid misses Earth, its course could bring it within a close range of the Moon. On December 22, 2032, 2024 YR4 is projected to fly near the Moon, passing through its orbital vicinity. Astronomers are keenly tracking these movements to determine its precise trajectory and prepare for any possible scenarios.

NASA’s Vigilant Monitoring: NASA’s Center for NEO Studies has already mapped the asteroid’s expected orbit and has ongoing efforts to study the potential threat it poses. The Center is continuously monitoring its movements and refining the asteroid’s orbital projections to ensure any necessary preparations can be made well in advance. NASA’s early warning systems are designed to anticipate such close encounters and determine whether the asteroid will become a more significant risk.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember:

Asteroid 2024 YR4 presents a significant astronomical concern due to its potential to impact Earth in 2032. While the odds are low, the possibilities of an airburst or even a direct crash could lead to catastrophic consequences. NASA’s team is actively monitoring its path, and updates will be crucial for further planning and risk mitigation.

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