Representative image created using AI.
NASA has raised concerns about asteroid 2024 YR4which now has a 2.6% chance of colliding with Earth in December 2032. This probability has increased from 2.2% in just a week, making it one of the most closely monitored space rocks. Estimated to be between 130 to 300 feet (40 to 90 metres) wide, 2024 YR4 is large enough to cause significant destruction if it impacts populated regions. According to NASA’s latest assessment, the asteroid’s potential impact zone includes parts of the Eastern Pacific, Atlantic Ocean, and land areas such as South America, Africa, and South Asia – including India.
What Makes This Asteroid Concerning?
Asteroid 2024 YR4 was discovered in late December and has been classified at level 3 on the Torino Scale – a rare rating that indicates a greater than 1% chance of collision with Earth. While a 2.6% probability may seem low, it is significant in astronomical terms, especially considering the potential damage. If it were to hit, the impact could cause destruction over a 50 km radius, comparable to a nuclear explosion. This has led social media users to dub it a “city killer.”
Asteroid 2024 YR4 Date and Time: When Could It Impact Earth?
NASA’s calculations suggest that if 2024 YR4 does strike, the impact would occur around 2:02 PM GMT (7:32 PM IST) on December 22, 2032. However, the asteroid’s trajectory could still change as astronomers continue to refine their observations. NASA and other space agencies are using advanced telescopes, including the James Webb Space Telescope, to get a more precise understanding of its size, speed, and potential impact location.
Asteroid 2024 YR4 Impact Zones: Is India at Risk?
Current projections indicate that the asteroid’s impact zone could include regions in South America, Africa, and South Asia. India, along with Pakistan, Bangladesh, and surrounding nations, is within the possible danger zone. While the exact impact site remains uncertain, scientists are keeping a close watch and updating predictions as more data becomes available.
