In recent years, the potential threat posed by asteroids has been a prominent topic of discussion among scientists and space enthusiasts. One asteroid, in particular, has captured widespread attention – Asteroid 2024 YR4. As NASA provides continuous updates on its trajectory, the concerns around this space rock have only intensified.
Increased Probability Of Impact
According to NASA, the likelihood of Asteroid 2024 YR4 colliding with Earth in 2032 has increased to 3.1%, up from the previous estimates of 2.6%. While the possibility of a collision remains small, this 3.1% estimate equates to a 1 in 32 chance of impact, significant enough to keep scientists alert. Reports revealed that there is still a 97.4% chance that the asteroid will miss Earth entirely.
The estimated diameter of Asteroid 2024 YR4 is around 177 feet (54 meters), roughly a building’s size. Although it is too small to wipe out the entire human civilization, the asteroid could still destroy a major city, Live Science reported. However, experts said that there is no need for alarm.
User Shares Chilling Animation Video
In an X post, a user shared a video simulation of the potential impact the rock can cause.
WATCH:
NEW: NASA has increased the chance a major asteroid smashes into Earth in 2032, now giving it a 3.1% chance, up from 2.6% last week.
NASA says the odds the asteroid hits Earth is 1 in 32. It is big enough to wipe out an entire city.
The large cities with the highest risk are… pic.twitter.com/WHVsiGsieT
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) February 18, 2025
While speaking to AFP, the Chief Scientist for the nonprofit Planetary Society, Bruce Betts said, “I’m not panicking.” He further added when you naturally see the percentages going upward, it doesn’t make you comfortable, fuzzy, and good.
According to reports, El Sauce Observatory in Chile first detected Asteroid 2024 YR4 on December 27, 2024. Earlier in January this year, the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) issued a warning memo after its impact probability crossed the 1% mark.
