NASA has raised the probability of asteroid 2024 YR4 striking Earth in 2032 to 3.1%, making it the most threatening space rock recorded in modern forecasting. While the risk is still low, experts emphasize the need for continued monitoring.
NASA has raised concerns over asteroid 2024 YR4, with the latest data indicating a 3.1% chance of it striking Earth on December 22, 2032. This makes the asteroid the most potentially hazardous space rock ever recorded by modern forecasting. While the rising probability has captured attention, experts urge the public not to panic, emphasizing that ongoing monitoring is essential to understanding the risk.
First detected on December 27, 2024, by the El Sauce Observatory in Chile, asteroid 2024 YR4 is estimated to be between 130 and 300 feet (40 to 90 meters) wide. Its brightness suggests a typical composition, rather than a rare metal-rich structure. The asteroid’s increasing risk has been tracked by the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN), a collaborative global effort dedicated to planetary defense. The IAWN issued a memo on January 29, 2025, after the asteroid’s impact probability exceeded one percent. Since then, the chances have continued to fluctuate but have generally trended upward.
While the odds of an impact remain low, experts stress the importance of further observation. "I'm not panicking," Bruce Betts, chief scientist for the Planetary Society, told AFP. "Naturally, when you see the percentages go up, it doesn't make you feel warm and fuzzy and good," he added. However, he explained that as astronomers collect more data, the probability is likely to rise before dropping again.
The James Webb Space Telescope is set to observe 2024 YR4 next month, providing crucial data to refine its trajectory and further assess the risk. According to NASA’s latest calculations, the asteroid has a 3.1% chance of impacting Earth, equating to odds of approximately one in 32—comparable to correctly guessing the outcome of five consecutive coin tosses.
This potential threat brings to mind the case of asteroid Apophis in 2004, which briefly had a 2.7% chance of striking Earth in 2029. However, subsequent observations ruled out the possibility. The situation with 2024 YR4 remains fluid, and astronomers continue to monitor its path closely.
Though the risk is real, experts remain confident that the probability will likely decrease over time as more data is gathered and analyzed. The global scientific community continues to prioritize planetary defense, underscoring the importance of collaboration and continued research to protect Earth from potential threats.
As monitoring continues, the focus remains on understanding the asteroid’s behavior and refining predictions. While there is no immediate cause for alarm, the situation serves as a reminder of the importance of space monitoring and the need for preparedness in the face of cosmic risks.
NASA’s acting administrator Janet Petro said on Wednesday that a government efficiency panel led by Elon Musk will review the space agency’s spending, while confirming that hundreds of NASA employees have accepted a federal buyout plan.
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) continues to provide stunning insights into the universe.
NASA has swapped the capsule for its upcoming Crew-10 mission, using a previously flown SpaceX Crew Dragon instead of a delayed new one. The move brings forward the launch date to March 12, allowing an earlier return for two astronauts stranded aboard the ISS.
The year 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal period for commercial lunar exploration, with half a dozen missions slated to launch over the coming months. These ventures, led by private companies under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, mark a significant expansion of commercial
NASA and its international partners have approved the crew for Axiom Space’s fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, launching from the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida no earlier than spring 2025.
Israel has accused Hamas of violating a ceasefire agreement after discovering that one of the bodies handed over during Thursday’s exchange did not belong to any known hostage. The military is demanding the return of the missing remains.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Thursday that Ukraine is ready to work quickly on a strong security and investment agreement with the U.S. after meeting with envoy Keith Kellogg.
Greece is struggling with severe water shortages as climate change intensifies droughts and aging infrastructure leaks nearly half of its drinking water. The crisis threatens agriculture, public health, and daily life.
The Trump administration has halted U.S. scientists' participation in key U.N. climate change assessments, marking another step in its retreat from international climate efforts. The decision affects researchers working with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Elon Musk brandished a chainsaw on stage at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Thursday, calling it “the chainsaw for bureaucracy” as he backed Donald Trump’s sweeping government reforms.
Estée Lauder and L’Oréal are facing challenges in the Chinese market as local beauty brands gain popularity. Rising competition, shifting consumer preferences, and economic factors have impacted sales, forcing global cosmetics giants to adapt their strategies.
Russian President has invited his U.S. counterpart, along with leaders from many other countries to Moscow in May to attend the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, which Russians refer to as the "Great Patriotic War."
USAID has long promoted itself as a supporter of press freedom, but reports suggest its media funding may have influenced domestic narratives in Europe and post-Soviet states. With the Trump administration freezing its grants, the agency’s role in shaping global information is under scrutiny.
A Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday, injuring 18 people. Officials are investigating whether strong winds and snow played a role in the incident.
Google on Wednesday rolled out an update for iOS that lets users search what’s on their screen with a simple gesture. The new feature, available in both the Google Chrome and Google Search apps, is similar to Android’s built-in “Circle to Search” function.
Feb 19 (Reuters) - Elon Musk's X social media platform is in talks to raise money from investors at a $44 billion valuation, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.
ROME, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Italy is aiming to develop its own low-orbit satellites for government communications, its industry minister said on Wednesday, presenting it as an alternative to systems provided by U.S. billionaire Elon Musk.
Feb 19 (Reuters) - Microsoft, opens new tab has developed an artificial intelligence model of a videogame which can help generate visuals and actions, the company announced on Wednesday.
Beijing, February 19, 2025 – Chinese AI startup DeepSeek is considering its first-ever outside funding round, attracting interest from major investors including Alibaba and leading state funds, according to sources cited by The Information.
Israel has accused Hamas of violating a ceasefire agreement after discovering that one of the bodies handed over during Thursday’s exchange did not belong to any known hostage. The military is demanding the return of the missing remains.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Thursday that Ukraine is ready to work quickly on a strong security and investment agreement with the U.S. after meeting with envoy Keith Kellogg.
Greece is struggling with severe water shortages as climate change intensifies droughts and aging infrastructure leaks nearly half of its drinking water. The crisis threatens agriculture, public health, and daily life.
The Trump administration has halted U.S. scientists' participation in key U.N. climate change assessments, marking another step in its retreat from international climate efforts. The decision affects researchers working with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Elon Musk brandished a chainsaw on stage at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Thursday, calling it “the chainsaw for bureaucracy” as he backed Donald Trump’s sweeping government reforms.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment