In late 2024, astronomers saw a new asteroid in the sky. They named it 2024 YR4 because it was the 117th asteroid found in December 2024. It has a 2.3% chance of hitting Earth on December 22, 2032. This might sound like a movie, but it’s not unusual.
The asteroid’s orbit is tricky to predict due to gravitational pulls. It will come close to Earth in 2028, allowing astronomers to make accurate measurements. Even if it is likely to hit Earth, there is no need to panic.
We have time to deal with the asteroid, and it’s not big enough to end the world. Evacuation plans can minimize the risk if it hits a populated area. The odds of impact may change, but experts believe they will go down to zero eventually.
Check NASA’s Planetary Defense Page for updates on the asteroid. Remember, early calculations can change, so it’s best to stay informed.
Original article from Universe Today. Read the original article.
Vocabulary List:
- Asteroid /ˈæs.tə.rɔɪd/ (noun): A small rocky body orbiting the sun typically found in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
- Orbit /ˈɔːr.bɪt/ (noun): The curved path of a celestial object around a star planet or moon.
- Gravitational /ˌɡræv.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən.əl/ (adjective): Relating to the force that attracts objects toward one another based on their mass.
- Evacuation /ɪˌvæk.juˈeɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The act of leaving a place in order to escape from a dangerous situation.
- Impact /ˈɪm.pækt/ (noun): The action of one object coming forcibly into contact with another.
- Minimize /ˈmɪn.ɪ.maɪz/ (verb): To reduce something to the smallest possible amount or degree.
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