NASA Collaborates with European Agencies to Monitor Potentially Hazardous Asteroid

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NASA is partnering with the European Space Agency (ESA) to study the asteroid 2024 YR4, classified as a potential "city-killer" with a 2% chance of striking Earth on December 22, 2032. The asteroid, detected in December, has had its impact risk estimates increased from about 1% to 2%, prompting scientists to investigate its dimensions, estimated to be between 40 and 90 meters wide.

The ESA stated, "The hazard represented by a 40 m asteroid is very different from that of a 90 m asteroid," highlighting the importance of accurate measurements. Currently, the asteroid holds a Level 3 rating on the Torino Impact Hazard Scale, indicating a noteworthy potential threat that requires public and scientific attention, although the likelihood of impact remains low.

NASA and ESA plan to utilize the James Webb Space Telescope to gather more precise data about the asteroid's size and characteristics. This telescopic observation is scheduled for March and May of this year. Should 2024 YR4 strike Earth, potential impact zones include the eastern Pacific Ocean and regions in South America, Africa, and South Asia.

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