NASA monitors 1-in-48 chance asteroid YR4, potential impact in 2032

Recent observations of asteroid 2024 YR4, dubbed a 'city killer,' have revealed it is on a potential collision course with Earth, with estimates suggesting a 2.3% chance of impact on December 22, 2032. Captured by the Gemini South Telescope in Chile, the images show the asteroid, which measures between 40 and 100 meters, and could unleash energy equivalent to 8 megatons of TNT upon collision. Former astronaut Chris Hadfield has emphasized the asteroid's destructive potential, coining the term 'Christmas asteroid' for its expected return during the holiday season. NASA and the European Space Agency are intensively monitoring the asteroid, conducting simulations to assess its impact risk across various countries. In contrast, NASA is also tracking other near-Earth objects like asteroids 2025 CA2 and 2025 BX1, which pose no threat to Earth during their close passes. The ongoing research and surveillance of these celestial bodies highlight the importance of planetary defense strategies.