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Asteroids abound in space and there is always that minimal chance that they could collide with Earth. Well, the world's leading space agencies have specialized teams to monitor those that are a risk to us.
NASA has identified an asteroid that could impact our planet in 2032, with a greater than 1% chance of collision. The asteroid is called 2024 YR4 and was first detected in December 2024 thanks to a telescope in Chile. It has a diameter between 40 and 100 meters.
Should we be alarmed?
"There is a 99% chance that nothing will happen, but it is a case that deserves our attention," said Paul Chodas, director of NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies.
The asteroid is moving away from Earth, but its trajectory must be observed to see how it evolves over time. According to the information known, the asteroid had its closest point to our home on December 25, when it ed about 800,000 kilometers away, something that was confirmed two days after its age.
When is the date that the asteroid could collide with Earth?
The date on which 2024 YR4 could collide with Earth would be December 22, 2032, entering the Earth's atmosphere. However, it is still too early to know its possible impact, but experts will continue to investigate until it disappears in the future and will not be visible again until 2028.
NASA says that no other large asteroid today has a greater than 1% chance of impacting Earth, something reassuring for the inhabitants of our planet.