NASA Sounds Big Relief: Riskiest Asteroid on Record Now has Near-Zero Chance of Hitting Earth

Science: NASA has announced big relief as the riskiest asteroid, Asteroid 2024 YR4, now has zero chance of hitting Earth. The impact probability of asteroid 2024 YR4 has dropped to 0.004%. It's expected to safely pass Earth in 2032, according to NASA.

Asteroid 2024 YR4 

The asteroid 2024 YR4, once considered the riskiest asteroid on record, now has a near-zero chance of impacting Earth. This news comes as a huge relief to people, who had been concerned about the potential threat posed by the asteroid.

Precise calculations by NASA   

Initially, when the asteroid was discovered, astronomers noted a small but notable chance of collision in 2032. However, with further observations and precise calculations by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the risk has been significantly reduced. The latest data indicates that the probability of asteroid 2024 YR4 impacting Earth is now just 0.004%, effectively eliminating the threat for at least the next century.

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NASA's Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) has been closely monitoring the asteroid, refining its future path with more data. The latest calculations confirm that on December 22, 2032, the asteroid’s position will be farther away from Earth than initially expected. While there remains a small 1.7% chance that the asteroid could impact the Moon on the same date, Earth is no longer at risk.

Despite the asteroid no longer posing a significant threat, NASA scientists stress that 2024 YR4 provided a crucial opportunity to test planetary defence systems and refine asteroid tracking methods. The agency continues to track all near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) with potential impact risks, ensuring Earth’s safety through vigilant observation and advanced technology.