Asteroid 2024 YR4: New threat to Earth in 2032?

Asteroid 2024 YR4: New threat to Earth in 2032?

Río Hurtado, Chile - astronomers have discovered a new asteroid, 2024 YR4, which is on a potential collision course with the earth. Originally estimated with a probability of 1.2 percent, the European Space Organization ESA has now increased this probability to 2.3 percent. This worrying number was announced in mid -February, and the Asteroid could come very close to Earth on December 22, 2032. The large heavenly body, which measures between 40 and 100 meters, was discovered shortly before Christmas 2024 and currently has a distance of around 43 million kilometers from our planet, such as krone.at

experts emphasize that although the probability of an impact has increased, there is still no reason to panic. Richard Moissl, head of asteroid defense at the ESA, calms the public: "It is no reason to worry. We assume that it is a nearby flight." According to the scientists, an impact of the asteroid in the atmosphere could lead to massive pressure waves and an explosion that could cause craters over a kilometer and could cause regional damage, such as welt.de . The Asteroid 2024 YR4, when it gets closer to the earth, is to be observed again in more detail, starting with a complete re -evaluation of its danger in 2028.

potential danger or routine?

The ISA is currently classifies the asteroid as one of the greatest risks, whereby an object of an object of this size can occur every few thousand years. Historical evidence show that such events can have significant effects, as was the case with the 1908 Tunguska event in Siberia, for example, when an asteroid-like object exploded and destroyed large forest areas. However, the current Asteroid 2024 YR4 is not viewed as a "planetary killer", which means that it is unable to exterminate the entire life on earth. Overall, however, experts see the need to pay attention to the celestial body and clearly observe that the probabilities of impact can often change significantly through additional observations, even to zero.

Although the asteroid is still visible as a tiny light point in the sky, it is crucial to invest sufficient resources for observation and analysis. Scientists are already working intensively on planetary defense measures in order to be prepared in the event of an upcoming risk. Andrew Rivkin from John's Hopkins University expresses: "I see no reason why that shouldn't work again." While the asteroid will be removed from earth and will only be observed in years, the international community remains vigilant and active in monitoring this cosmic threat.