An asteroid nicknamed “city-killer” has caught the attention of NASA and international astronomers due to its potential threat to Earth in 2032.
At a Glance
- Asteroid 2024 YR4 has a 2% chance of impacting Earth on December 22, 2032
- The asteroid is estimated to be between 40 and 90 meters wide
- NASA and ESA are using the James Webb Space Telescope to study the asteroid
- It’s rated Level 3 on the Torino Impact Hazard Scale, warranting close observation
- If it impacts Earth, effects could be catastrophic in populated areas
Potential Threat and Discovery
NASA and international astronomers are closely monitoring asteroid 2024 YR4, a celestial body that has raised concerns due to its potential threat to urban areas. The asteroid, first detected in December, has been given the ominous nickname “city-killer” because of its size and the damage it could potentially cause if it were to impact Earth.
The European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory have recently increased the estimated risk of impact to 2%, scheduled for December 22, 2032. This slight increase in probability has prompted further studies and heightened scientific scrutiny.
Size and Potential Impact
The asteroid’s size is a critical factor in assessing its potential threat. Current estimates suggest that 2024 YR4 is between 40 and 90 meters wide. The ESA has emphasized the importance of refining these measurements, as the potential hazard varies significantly with size.
“It is very important that we improve our size estimate for 2024 YR4,” ESA said.
While not on the scale of the asteroid that led to the extinction of dinosaurs, an impact from 2024 YR4 could still have devastating consequences. The ESA noted, “An asteroid this size impacts Earth on average every few thousand years and could cause severe damage to a local region.”
A newly detected asteroid, 2024 YR4, has a 1.6% chance of colliding with Earth on December 22, 2032, potentially causing city-level devastation. The football field-sized asteroid was first spotted in December 2024 and follows a highly elliptical orbit, passing near Mars and… pic.twitter.com/BQWR7MTKCN
— KUWAIT TIMES (@kuwaittimesnews) February 1, 2025
Tracking and Observation Efforts
To better understand and track this potential threat, NASA and the ESA are using the advanced capabilities of the James Webb Space Telescope. This powerful instrument will allow scientists to analyze the asteroid’s infrared emissions, providing more accurate data on its size and trajectory.
The Webb Telescope is scheduled to study the asteroid in March and May, with data interpretation continuing until the asteroid reappears in 2028. This ongoing observation will help refine predictions about the asteroid’s path and potential impact risk.
Impact Assessment and Preparedness
2024 YR4 has received a Level 3 rating on the Torino Impact Hazard Scale. This rating indicates a close encounter that warrants attention from astronomers but suggests that an impact remains unlikely. Nevertheless, the potential for major localized damage keeps this asteroid under close scientific scrutiny.
If an impact were to occur, potential sites include the eastern Pacific Ocean, northern South America, the Atlantic Ocean, Africa, the Arabian Sea, and South Asia. While the chances of impact remain low, the international scientific community continues to monitor this celestial visitor, ensuring we are prepared for any potential outcomes.
