Astronomers recently identified asteroid 2024 YR4, which has a 1.3% chance of impacting Earth at the end of December 2032. The object, which was spotted about a month ago by a telescope in Chile, quickly stood out in classifications. Impact risk, generating concern among experts.

Measuring between 40 and 100 meters long, the asteroid can cause “severe explosion damage” within 45 kilometers from the impact site, according to information from the International Asteroid Warning Network.

Currently, the 2024 YR4 is classified with number three on the Torino scale, which evaluates the risk of impact of objects near Earth. The scale goes from zero, without risk, to ten, which would indicate a certain collision.

The three classification places the asteroid among the most worrying, the second best classified since Apophis in 2004, which initially obtained a four rating, before a later reevaluation decreases the risk to zero.

Experts warn that although the chance of impact is still relatively low, the risk should be closely monitored.

Continuous observation of asteroid 2024 YR4 will help refine its orbit and provide a more accurate estimate of the likelihood of a collision with the earth.

Scientific authorities point out that the situation is treated with caution, as minor changes in the asteroid trajectory can significantly affect risk assessment.

The analysis of the 2024 YR4 occurs in a context of increasing monitoring of objects near Earth (Neos). With increasing observation skills and the development of more accurate technologies, astronomers have been able to detect and more efficiently study potentially dangerous objects for our planet.

In the case of 2024 YR4, the data collected so far indicates that it can approach the earth worryingly within a few years, but the ongoing observations are essential to verify that the actual risk of impact is greater or lower than the initial forecast.

Although the risk of impact of 2024 YR4 is low, scientists do not rule out the possibility of a future impact and continue to monitor the object with telescopes around the world. The scientific community is still committed to improving its tracking techniques to ensure that any impact threat is detected as advance as possible, enabling the development of mitigation strategies.

Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2025/02/06/astronomos-revelam-que-asteroide-deve-colidir-com-a-terra-daqui-a-poucos-anos/

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