What We Know about 2024 YR4, the Asteroid with a 2 Percent Chance of Impact with Earth

image via New Scientist

February 12, 2025, 11:00 AM

An asteroid with a 2 percent chance of hitting Earth in 2032 made headlines. But is its fluctuating risk really cause for concern? Scientists are keeping a close eye on an asteroid that has a 2 percent chance of hitting Earth in 2032. The asteroid, called 2024 YR4, was discovered in December 2024 and is about 40 to 100 meters wide. While the odds of an impact are low, scientists are taking precautions. The European Space Agency (ESA) is planning to use the James Webb Space Telescope to get a more precise estimate of the asteroid's size and orbit. The ESA will also be working with other space agencies to develop a plan to deflect the asteroid if necessary. In the meantime, scientists are urging the public not to panic. The risk of an impact is still very low, and there are plenty of opportunities to prevent it from happening.

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