Scientists Monitor Football-Pitch-Sized Asteroid with Potential Earth Impact Risk

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The European Space Agency (ESA) is closely monitoring an asteroid referred to as 2024 YR4, which is approximately 100 meters long and 40 meters wide, with a potential to hit Earth in the near future. According to ESA, there is an estimated one in 83 chance of a direct impact, which could result in significant damage to a localized area. The asteroid is currently about 27 million miles away and is moving away from Earth, but it will cross our planet's orbit on December 22, 2032.

The Space Mission Planning Advisory Group is scheduled to meet in Vienna next week to discuss the asteroid's trajectory and observations. If the risk of impact is confirmed, ESA plans to recommend actions to the United Nations and consider options for a spacecraft-based response.

Dr. Simeon Barber from the Open University has emphasized that there is no immediate cause for alarm as early detection systems often overestimate impact risks. He noted that improved technology could lead to more frequent alerts as the ability to track these objects advances. The asteroid was first detected by a telescope in Chile, and astronomers are currently tracking its movements.

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