A newly discovered asteroid has been identified by NASA with a small possibility of colliding with Earth in 2032, according to agency officials. Although scientists estimate that the chances of impact are just over 1 percent, there is no cause for concern due to the high probability that it will not happen, said Paul Chodas, director of NASA's Near-Earth Object Studies Center.
Chodas pointed out that as the asteroid's trajectory is studied in more detail, the risk of impact is likely to be reduced to zero. The object will gradually disappear from view over the coming months, according to NASA and the European Space Agency, which are also monitoring the situation. The asteroid, designated as 2024 YR4, is between 40 and 100 meters in diameter and was first detected last month through a telescope in Chile.
"If scientists can find the space rock in images from 2016, when it also approached Earth, they could determine more precisely whether there will be an impact," Chodas explained. Until the asteroid approaches again in 2028, it will not be visible, highlighting the importance of continuing to monitor it closely.
The possibility of impact from the asteroid in 2032, although uncertain regarding the location, does not pose an imminent threat, NASA stated. Despite this discovery, no other asteroid with a significant probability of impact in the near future has been identified. Scientists will continue to monitor the asteroid with the most advanced telescopes to refine its size and trajectory over the coming years.
