Asteroid 2024 YR4’s collision probability with Earth has risen to 2.3%, worrying scientists about its potential impact on densely populated areas such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Its destructive power could exceed that of 500 atomic bombs. The asteroid is anticipated to pass close to Earth on December 22, 2032, within a risk corridor identified by NASA engineers.
Asteroid 2024 YR4 poses an increasing risk to Earth, with estimates of a collision probability now raised from 1% to 2.3%. This celestial object, potentially measuring up to 200 meters, has garnered significant concern among scientists due to the lack of concrete data on its speed and size. NASA is actively identifying potential impact areas to prepare for any inevitable collision, particularly concerning regions with high population densities, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
The destructive potential of asteroid 2024 YR4 is alarming; scientists estimate that if it were to collide with Earth, the energy released could surpass that of 500 atomic bombs. To understand the potential trajectory of the asteroid, David Rankin, an engineer with NASA’s Catalina Sky Survey project, has identified a risk corridor spanning from northern South America to the Pacific Ocean and southern Asia, including several densely populated countries. Rankin stated, “although the impact is unlikely, if 2024 YR4 hits Earth, we cannot ignore the possible consequences.”
Discovered in December, asteroid 2024 YR4 has prompted significant concern from both NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). Initially classified as a low risk, the probability of collision has now been officially categorized as moderately dangerous, with a Torino scale rating of three due to its potential impact. Current predictions indicate that the asteroid will pass within 106,000 km of Earth on December 22, 2032, with a considerable error margin.
Given that the narrow path of potential impact includes regions from western Central America to northern South America, extending through parts of Africa and reaching India, the implications of an impact are severe. The data available suggests that this asteroid may pose a significant threat to some of the world’s most populous areas, amplifying the urgency for ongoing monitoring and preparedness.
In summary, the threat posed by asteroid 2024 YR4 has escalated, necessitating urgent scientific attention and public awareness. With collision risks now at 2.3%, particularly affecting densely populated regions, preparation is critical. The destructive potential of this asteroid, if it were to collide with Earth, underscores the importance of ongoing research and potential contingency planning to mitigate catastrophic outcomes.
Original Source: www.india.com
