Asteroid 2024 YR4: Monitoring Earth's Potential Threat

Asteroid 2024 YR4, discovered by the Catalina Sky Survey in Chile, poses a potential threat to Earth. This space rock, measuring between 40 and 100 meters in diameter, has a 1.2% chance of impacting our planet in 2032. Despite its relative distance of 27 million kilometers, experts have taken notice due to its significant size and potential for regional damage. Ranked 3 on the Torino Impact Hazard Scale, it is closely monitored by astronomers and international networks.

While YR4 is not considered a "planet killer," its impact could lead to substantial atmospheric explosions and sizeable craters. The asteroid will become unobservable for several years, reappearing in 2028. Global defense strategies are being evaluated, including potential deflection methods like NASA's Dart mission. Although the likelihood of a collision is low, the asteroid's monitoring highlights the importance of planetary defense against future threats.