Rising Threat of Asteroid 2024 YR4: Implications for India and Neighboring Countries
Asteroid 2024 YR4’s collision risk with Earth has increased to 2.3 percent, with potential destruction exceeding 500 atomic bombs. NASA has identified risk areas, particularly in India and neighboring countries. The asteroid, first discovered last December, is classified as extremely dangerous with a Torino scale rating of three.
The risk of asteroid 2024 YR4 colliding with Earth is rising, now assessed at 2.3 percent, up from a previous estimate of 1 percent. This gradual increase in risk is raising alarms among scientists, especially given the limited knowledge about the asteroid’s size and velocity, which may reach up to 200 meters. In preparation for a potential impact, NASA is identifying areas that could be affected, aiming to mitigate risks to the population.
The implications of a collision are dire; NASA estimates that if asteroid 2024 YR4 were to strike Earth, it could lead to destruction equivalent to more than 500 atomic bombs. This potential devastation places countries such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, among others, in jeopardy. Efforts to predict the asteroid’s trajectory are focused on densely populated regions, particularly those in Asia and Africa.
NASA’s David Rankin has outlined a risk corridor extending from northern South America to northern India, which could be vulnerable if the asteroid impacts. Rankin remarked, “Although the impact is unlikely, if 2024 YR4 hits Earth, we cannot ignore the possible consequences.” This assessment reflects the concern surrounding this asteroid, which was first discovered in December and is now classified as one of the most dangerous celestial objects due to its growing collision probability.
Currently rated a three on the Torino scale, asteroid 2024 YR4 is considered a significant threat. Observations indicate it will approach Earth at a distance of approximately 106,000 kilometers on December 22, 2032, with a possible error margin of 1.6 million kilometers. This trajectory carries the risk of collision, particularly in areas spanning from Central America to northern South America, ultimately affecting countries like India.
In summary, asteroid 2024 YR4 poses a rising threat, with an increased impact probability now at 2.3 percent. Potential destruction could rival the power of over 500 atomic bombs, threatening densely populated regions, including parts of Asia and Africa. Continued monitoring and research by NASA and other space agencies are crucial in safeguarding against this looming danger.
Original Source: www.india.com
