Asteroid 2024 YR4: Rising Threat of Catastrophic Collision with Earth
Asteroid 2024 YR4’s collision probability with Earth is now 2.3%, raising alarms as it could devastate cities. Estimated at 200 meters, its impact could release energy greater than 500 atomic bombs, threatening densely populated regions including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Experts from NASA are closely monitoring its trajectory, with a critical pass expected in December 2032.
Asteroid 2024 YR4 poses an increasing risk of collision with Earth, with its impact probability rising from an initial 1 percent to 2.3 percent. This uptick in risk has raised alarm among scientists, particularly as little is known about the asteroid’s size and velocity. Estimated to be as large as 200 meters, Asteroid 2024 YR4 could wreak havoc if it strikes populated areas, including densely inhabited nations like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
NASA has been proactive in assessing potential impact zones, indicating that a collision would generate energy equivalent to over 500 atomic bombs. The risk corridor identified stretches from northern South America to the Pacific Ocean, impacting regions in southern Asia and parts of Africa. A significant concern is that the denser populations in these regions could lead to catastrophic human and infrastructural losses.
David Rankin, an engineer associated with NASA’s Catalina Sky Survey, remarked, “Although the impact is unlikely, if 2024 YR4 hits Earth, we cannot ignore the possible consequences.” He has detailed an area where the asteroid is most likely to fall, which includes states such as Ethiopia, Sudan, Nigeria, and extending to Colombia and Ecuador.
Initially identified in December 2023, asteroid 2024 YR4 has garnered attention within scientific communities like NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). Its collision risk has now classified it under a more serious category due to the lack of critical information regarding its dynamics.
Currently, the asteroid is anticipated to pass within 106,000 km of Earth on December 22, 2032, with a notable margin of error of 1.6 million km. The trajectory may traverse a narrow strip from western Central America across to India, heightening the urgency for monitoring and preparedness in vulnerable nations.
In conclusion, the potential danger posed by asteroid 2024 YR4 warrants serious attention from global scientific communities and governmental organizations. With a collision probability now at 2.3 percent and the capability to unleash devastation equivalent to over 500 atomic bombs, the current data leads to considerable concern regarding densely populated areas in South Asia and elsewhere. Proactive measures must be considered to mitigate potential impacts.
Original Source: www.india.com
