NASA: Earth Safe from Asteroid 2024 YR4, But Moon Impact Still Possible
Cape Canaveral, Florida. Scientists have officially ruled out any significant threat to Earth from the newly discovered asteroid 2024 YR4.
After two months of observations, NASA and the European Space Agency announced Tuesday that the asteroid poses no danger to the planet. Initial calculations suggested a nearly 3% chance of impact in 2032, briefly placing it atop global asteroid-risk lists.
However, ESA has since reduced the probability to just 0.001 percent, while NASA's estimate stands at 0.0027 percent—confirming that the asteroid will pass safely by Earth in 2032, with no risk of impact for at least the next century.
Despite the reduced threat to Earth, NASA reports a 1.7 percent chance that the asteroid could strike the moon on Dec. 22, 2032. Astronomers will continue tracking its trajectory, with the Webb Space Telescope set to observe it next month to refine estimates of its size. The asteroid is expected to fade from view in the coming months.
Discovered in December, 2024 YR4 measures between 130 and 300 feet (40 to 90 meters) in diameter and swings past Earth every four years.
"While this asteroid no longer poses a significant impact hazard to Earth, 2024 YR4 provided an invaluable opportunity" for study, NASA said in a statement.
Tags: Keywords:Related Articles
International Cooperation of the Russian Federation in Outer Space
The space domain acquires additional significance for Russia as an instrument for maintaining scientific potential.The Latest
Ronaldo 'Fenomeno', Del Piero Land in Jakarta for Clash of Legends
Ronaldo and Del Piero arrive in Jakarta, drawing crowds ahead of the Clash of Legends exhibition at Gelora Bung Karno.Oil Drops 10%, US Stocks Rally on Hormuz Reopening
Oil prices plunge over 10% and US stocks rally after Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz, easing fears of global supply disruptions.Iran Reopens Hormuz, Trump Keeps Blockade in Place
Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz, but the US keeps its blockade on Iranian shipping, maintaining pressure as nuclear talks stall.Jakarta Begins Mass Removal of Invasive ‘Janitor Fish'
Jakarta launches a citywide operation to remove invasive “janitor fish,” aiming to restore river ecosystems and protect infrastructure.Indonesia Mulls Fertilizer Exports While Keeping Local Supply
Indonesia weighs fertilizer exports amid surplus, but keeps domestic supply priority as global demand rises and prices strengthen.Most Popular
