‘City-Killer’ Asteroid 2024 YR4 Avoids Catastrophe in 2032, But a Bigger Threat Awaits!

In a recent turn of events, the asteroid known as 2024 YR4, often dubbed the “city killer,” is confirmed to be on a safe trajectory, meaning it won’t collide with Earth in December 2032. This surprising revelation, however, doesn’t mean we can let our guard down.

Asteroid Dimensions and Statistics

Asteroid YR4 measures between 131 and 295 feet in diameter. Initially, it posed a concerning impact risk of 3.1%, making it one of the most dangerous space rocks ever monitored by NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS). After some recalibrations, this risk value dropped to an almost negligible point of 0.0017%—which is good news for now, but doesn't imply that future threats are off the table.

Resonant Asteroids and Future Encounters

Asteroid YR4 belongs to a class labeled as resonant asteroids, leading to increased encounters with our planet every few years. This unique orbit, which is influenced significantly by Jupiter’s gravitational pull, means that while for the moment we have a respite, it’s possible that YR4 could return again in a more menacing path.

Potential Catastrophic Consequences of Impact

Should YR4 ever make contact, the consequences could be catastrophic. A collision would unleash energy equivalent to 8 megatons of TNT—500 times more powerful than the atomic bomb that struck Hiroshima—potentially threatening millions of lives.

Lunar Concerns

Luckily, the lunar surface isn’t entirely safe from the likes of YR4 either. Recent assessments indicate a 1.8% chance of a fatal impact on the moon, which could have implications for ongoing and future space operations.

The Bigger Threat: Asteroid 887 Alinda

The pressing concern is not just about YR4 but also another asteroid in the vicinity called 887 Alinda. With a colossal size of 2.5 miles in diameter, this giant rock poses an existential threat to Earth if its path were to coincide with ours. Alarmingly, both Alinda and 2024 YR4 follow a similar orbital pattern that brings them back into proximity with Earth every four years due to their synchronized relationship with Jupiter.

Other Asteroids to Monitor

But these aren't the only rocks to keep an eye on. Recently, asteroid 2014 TN17 zipped past Earth, coming within 3.2 million miles—about 13 times the distance to the moon. This behemoth measures over 540 feet and is large enough to obliterate a city, yet it’s currently not on a collision course with our planet.

Additionally, the notorious asteroid Apophis, ominously known as the “god of chaos,” is also on the radar, with plans to come closer to Earth than some satellites in 2029. So, while we can breathe a little easier regarding YR4’s immediate threats, it remains a stark reminder that our cosmic neighborhood is full of dangers, many of which could disrupt life on Earth upon their arrival.

Final Thoughts

Stay tuned for updates and remember—when it comes to asteroids, it’s better to be safe than sorry!