Increasing Threat of Asteroid 2024 YR4: Potential Risks and Impact on Densely Populated Regions
Asteroid 2024 YR4’s collision risk with Earth has risen to 2.3%, raising concerns among scientists. Predicted to pass near Earth on December 22, 2032, it could unleash devastation equivalent to 500 atomic bombs if it impacts. Densely populated areas in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are within its potential path, prompting NASA to prepare impact scenarios.
Asteroid 2024 YR4 poses a growing threat to Earth, with the likelihood of a collision increasing from 1 percent to 2.3 percent. Without accurate data on the asteroid’s speed and size—estimated to be up to 200 meters—scientists are concerned about its potential impact. In response, NASA has initiated plans to identify significant impact zones to facilitate future protective measures.
If asteroid 2024 YR4 were to collide with Earth, the destruction could be catastrophic, potentially obliterating entire metropolitan areas. Notably, this asteroid’s energy release upon impact could exceed that of 500 atomic bombs. The predicted trajectory of the asteroid threatens densely populated regions, particularly in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, compounding the risk to human lives.
David Rankin, an engineer involved with NASA’s Catalina Sky Survey project, has mapped a risk corridor for potential impact extending from northern South America to parts of Africa and India. He emphasizes the importance of awareness, stating, “although the impact is unlikely, if 2024 YR4 hits Earth, we cannot ignore the possible consequences.”
Since its discovery last December, asteroid 2024 YR4 has prompted urgent attention from scientists at NASA and the European Space Agency. Recent assessments have classified the asteroid as highly dangerous, confirming its status with a Torino scale rating of three, which indicates a significant threat level. Currently, it is projected to pass within 106,000 kilometers of Earth on December 22, 2032.
Asteroid 2024 YR4 poses an increasing risk of collision with Earth, with the potential to cause widespread destruction across densely populated regions such as India and Pakistan. Defined by NASA as a significant threat, this asteroid requires continued monitoring and preparation to mitigate the consequences should its trajectory change. Awareness and proactive measures are essential to safeguard against this emergent hazard.
Original Source: www.india.com
