Astronomers Discover 196-Foot Asteroid With 1-In-83 Chance of Hitting Earth In 2032

Astronomers have discovered a newly identified asteroid that has a 1-in-83 chance of striking Earth on December 22, 2032, though the most likely scenario is a close miss. Designated as 2024 YR4, the asteroid measures in at 196 feet wide and is currently 27 million miles away. Space.com reports: The near-Earth object (NEO) discovered in 2024, which is around half as wide as a football field is long, will make a very close approach to Earth on Dec. 22, 2032. It's estimated to come within around 66,000 miles (106,200 kilometers) of Earth on that day, according to NASA's Center of NEO Studies (CNEOS). However, when orbital uncertainties are considered, that close approach could turn out to be a direct hit on our planet.

Such an impact could cause an explosion in the atmosphere, called an 'airburst,' or could cause an impact crater when it slams into the ground. This is enough to see asteroid 2024 YR4 leap to the top of the European Space Agency's NEO impact Risk List and NASA's Sentry Risk Table. 'People should absolutely not worry about this yet,' said Catalina Sky Survey engineer and asteroid hunter David Rankin. 'Impact probability is still very low, and the most likely outcome will be a close approaching rock that misses us.'

As for where it could hit Earth, Rankin said that the 'risk corridor' for impact runs from South America across the Atlantic to sub-Saharan Africa.

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