The world’s space agencies have determined that the risk of asteroid 2024 YR4 colliding with Earth is now less than 1%. This means that the likelihood of a dangerous impact is very low. However, the asteroid will still pass close to our planet, providing astronomers with a unique opportunity for observation.
Initial concerns about asteroid 2024 YR4 were raised in December last year when astronomers noticed its potential collision course with Earth in 2032. The asteroid is estimated to be between 40 and 90 meters wide and could cause significant damage if it were to hit a city. Through continuous tracking and observations, the risk of impact has been steadily decreasing.
New data on 20 February significantly lowered the risk of impact to less than 1%, causing relief among experts. While the asteroid no longer poses a significant threat, it remains a valuable opportunity for testing planetary defense systems and conducting scientific research.
Further observations are planned for March using the James Webb Space Telescope to gather more information about asteroid 2024 YR4. A decision on potential actions will be made by the United Nations-backed Space Mission Planning Advisory Group by the end of April.
Although the chance of the asteroid hitting Earth is minimal, there is a slightly increased risk of it impacting the moon, prompting ongoing monitoring and evaluation by experts.
This situation serves as a valuable learning experience for handling future asteroid threats and emphasizes the importance of being prepared for such events.
Vocabulary List:
- Asteroid /ˈæs.tə.rɔɪd/ (noun): A small rocky body in outer space often found between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
- Collision /kəˈlɪʒ.ən/ (noun): An incident in which two or more objects violently hit each other.
- Likelihood /ˈlaɪ.kli.hood/ (noun): The probability or chance that something will happen.
- Significant /sɪɡˈnɪf.ɪ.kənt/ (adjective): Of great importance or meaning.
- Opportunity /ˌɒp.əˈtʃuː.nə.ti/ (noun): A set of circumstances that makes it possible to do something.
- Monitoring /ˈmɒn.ɪ.tər.ɪŋ/ (noun): The act of observing and checking the progress or quality of something over a period of time.
How much do you know?
What risk percentage has been determined for asteroid 2024 YR4 colliding with Earth?
When were initial concerns raised about asteroid 2024 YR4?
What is the estimated width range of asteroid 2024 YR4?
When are further observations planned for asteroid 2024 YR4?
What is the potential impact year of asteroid 2024 YR4 with Earth?
What does the situation with asteroid 2024 YR4 emphasize?
There is no risk of asteroid 2024 YR4 impacting the moon.
Astronomers are not using the James Webb Space Telescope for further observations of asteroid 2024 YR4.
The risk of impact for asteroid 2024 YR4 has been increasing over time.
The United Nations-backed Space Mission Planning Advisory Group will make decisions by the end of May.
Asteroid 2024 YR4 could cause significant damage if it collides with a city.
The risk of asteroid 2024 YR4 colliding with Earth was significantly lowered on 20 February.
Initial concerns about asteroid 2024 YR4 were raised in December last year when astronomers noticed its potential collision course with Earth in .
New data on 20 February significantly lowered the risk of impact to less than __________%.
New data on 20 February significantly lowered the risk of impact to less than %.
Further observations are planned for using the James Webb Space Telescope.
The asteroid 2024 YR4 remains a valuable opportunity for testing and conducting scientific research.
Although the chance of the asteroid hitting Earth is minimal, there is a slightly increased risk of it impacting .
This situation serves as a valuable learning experience for handling future and emphasizes the importance of being prepared for such events.
