NASA on Asteroid YR4: Scientists have warned about a destructive asteroid in space. This asteroid, YR4, is moving rapidly towards the Earth. Seeing this asteroid, NASA has also become alert and is constantly monitoring its movement.
Is a catastrophe going to happen on Earth? On one hand, the needles of the Doomsday Watch had already created curiosity, while now scientists have warned about a destructive asteroid in space. It has been named Asteroid 2024 YR4, which can become a threat to the Earth. After analyzing the orbit of this asteroid, scientists found that it will pass very close to the Earth once every eight years.
According to NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS), asteroid 2024 YR4 will reach very close to Earth on December 22, 2032. Here its distance from the Earth will be about 66,000 miles i.e. 106,200 kilometers. However, if there is even a slight change in its orbit, it can collide directly with the Earth.
The probability of this asteroid colliding with the Earth is said to be 1 in 83, which is considered very high in the history of astronomical events. Because of this, this asteroid has reached the top of the European Space Agency's (ESA) NEO Impact Risk List and NASA's Sentry Risk Table.
What can happen due to the impact of the asteroid?
According to scientists, if asteroid 2024 YR4 enters the Earth's atmosphere, it can cause an explosion (Airburst), which can cause great devastation on Earth. If it collides with the Earth's surface, a large impact crater can be formed, which can cause earthquake-like conditions in the entire area.
How was the asteroid discovered?
This asteroid was first discovered through the Rio Hurtado telescope in Chile by the NASA-funded ATLAS project. After this, Catalina Sky Survey engineer and asteroid expert David Rankin rediscovered it and confirmed its detailed study.
According to NASA, this asteroid has been rated 3 on the Torino Scale, which indicates that it is involved in potential danger and needs to be constantly tracked.
If asteroid 2024 YR4 does not collide with the Earth, it will pass very close to the Moon on December 22, 2032. NASA and ESA are keeping a close eye on the movement of this asteroid. Information about its orbit and possible impact will be updated as more data is received in the coming months.
