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12th February 2025
10:17am GMT
The world's top astronomers are putting their great minds together to figure out the best way to prepare for a giant asteroid that is on course to collide with Earth less than a decade from now.
It is estimated that asteroid 2024 YR4, which was spotted by a telescope in Chile last December, has a one-in-43 chance of smashing into our planet in 2032. Experts around the world have joined forces to figure out a plan of action.
On Friday, NASA doubled the probability of the asteroid hitting Earth, meaning it now has a 2.3 per cent chance of impact.
They added that the date of impact would be December 22, 2032.
In a post on X, NASA Asteroid Watch said: "While still an extremely low possibility, asteroid 2024 YR4’s impact probability with Earth has increased from about 1% to a 2.3% chance on Dec. 22, 2032. As we observe the asteroid more, the impact probability will become better known."
While still an extremely low possibility, asteroid 2024 YR4's impact probability with Earth has increased from about 1% to a 2.3% chance on Dec. 22, 2032. As we observe the asteroid more, the impact probability will become better known. More: https://t.co/VWiASTMBDi pic.twitter.com/Z1mpb4UPaC
— NASA Asteroid Watch (@AsteroidWatch) February 7, 2025
The colossal space rock, comparable in size to a small planet, could potentially obliterate an entire city if it strikes. Given the significant threat, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has been made accessible to international scientists to assess the potential devastation and strategize a response plan.
Earlier this week, Professor Brian Cox issued a warning to humanity to prepare itself for a potentially city-destroying astronomical event.
The 56-year-old suggested the world may soon have to “make a decision” in regards to the asteroid and whether a “deflection mission” is prepared should the likelihood of impact grow.
In a post on X, the physicist wrote: "Interesting situation – if the probability remains this high then we will have to make a decision on preparing a deflection mission – which would be a good investment even if (as is most likely) we don’t need to use it this time.
"It’s as if the Universe has decided to do an experiment to see if Planet Earth is still capable of taking rational decisions!"
Interesting situation - if the probability remains this high then we will have to make a decision on preparing a deflection mission - which would be a good investment even if (as is most likely) we don’t need to use it this time. It’s as if the Universe has decided to do an… https://t.co/Leic2rdLaU
— Brian Cox (@ProfBrianCox) February 8, 2025
As observations of the asteroid continue, it is possible that it will be ruled out as an impact hazard, as often happens. However, it is also possible its impact probability will continue to rise.
You can read more about asteroid 2024 YR4 on the NASA website here.
