This was announced by the US space agency NASA on Tuesday. Thus, the 2024 YR4, discovered just under two months ago, is the most dangerous asteroid for Earth since the beginning of the corresponding space observations.

Impact According to Calculations on December 22, 2032

2024 YR4 could have devastating consequences in the event of a collision with Earth; according to scientists, the asteroid could destroy an entire city. The probability of an impact is 3.1 percent according to the latest calculations, NASA announced on Tuesday (local time). If it were to happen, 2024 YR4 would hit Earth on December 22, 2032.

Asteroid is Between 40 and 90 Meters Wide

The asteroid was first spotted on December 27, 2024, by the El Sauce Observatory in Chile and was named 2024 YR4. Based on its brightness, astronomers estimate it to be between 40 and 90 meters wide. In an initial assessment, NASA estimated the probability of an impact on Earth at 1.6 percent.

Scientists Reassure

Despite the current risk upgrade to 3.1 percent, scientists see no reason to panic: "When you see the percentages rise, you naturally don't feel very comfortable and good," said Bruce Betts of the Planetary Society, for example. Presumably, the percentage will continue to rise with the acquisition of more data - before it then "quickly drops to zero."

(APA/Red)

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