NASA Issues Statement on 196-Foot ‘City-Destroying’ Asteroid Threatening Earth
NASA has issued a statement regarding asteroid 2024 YR4, a 196-foot-wide space rock that poses a potential threat to Earth. Discovered on December 27, 2024, by Chile’s El Sauce Observatory, the asteroid is currently moving away from Earth and is expected to return in 2028 for further observation.
Potential Impact and Risk Assessment
Asteroid 2024 YR4 has been identified as a “city-killer” due to its size and potential impact. NASA’s Planetary Defense Office has assessed the risk of collision with Earth on December 22, 2032, at approximately 1.6%. This assessment places the asteroid on the Sentry Risk Table, indicating a need for continued monitoring.
Monitoring and Mitigation Efforts
In response to the potential threat, NASA is actively monitoring the asteroid’s trajectory. The 2022 Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission, which successfully demonstrated the ability to alter an asteroid’s course, may provide valuable data for future mitigation strategies. While the current risk remains low, NASA emphasizes the importance of ongoing observation to refine impact probabilities and develop potential deflection techniques.
Public Communication and Preparedness
NASA advises the public to stay informed through official channels and to avoid speculation. The agency is committed to transparency and will provide updates as new information becomes available. While the likelihood of impact is currently low, NASA continues to prioritize planetary defense and preparedness for potential future threats.
