Chances of an asteroid hitting Earth in 2032 increase to 2.3% from 1.9%; People react on X
In December 2024, a new space rock was discovered that was termed 2024 YR4 and was said to be a potential threat to Earth. The space rock was detected by one of a network of telescopes managed by the Asteroid Terrestial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS), a NASA-funded project to provide warning of asteroids on a collision course with Earth.
Then scientists gathered more information on 2024 YR4 and it was found out that its orbit will bring it quite close to Earth in 2028 and then again in 2032. It was said that there is a small chance that the asteroid may hit Earth on 22 December 2032. On Thursday, NASA’s Center for Near Earth Object Studies estimated a 1.9% chance of an impact on Earth in 2032.
Now as per NASA officials, the chances of asteroid hitting Earth in 2032 have increased to 2.3%. By the end of this year’s observing window, the asteroid warning network says the impact probability could increase to a couple tens of percent, or it could more likely drop back. As per the European Space Agency (ESA), “It is possible that asteroid 2024 YR4 will fade from view before we can entirely rule out any chance of impact in 2032. In this case, the asteroid will likely remain on the ESA risk list until it becomes observable again in 2028. ”
It is estimated that this asteroid is between 130 to 300 feet wide. The risk of Earth collision for now remains low, but space agencies are closely monitoring the situation, highlighting the ongoing need for planetary defense strategies against potential cosmic threats.
As soon as the news of the chances getting increased surfaced online, people started reacting to it. Here are some interesting reactions of users on the X platform.
They ever have a sci-fi where the incoming asteroid turns out to be an alien vessel? https://t.co/w5VOCznBTN
— Value Select (@valueselectTV) February 8, 2025
The asteroid news today can confirm that Don’t Look Up was a documentary. pic.twitter.com/BmuA4etSjB
— Catalina Lemus (@CruzCatalina8) February 8, 2025
Will Santa deliver an asteroid for Christmas 2032 🤔🤷🏻♂️
— GalaxyAlpha 🇺🇸 (@realgalaxyalpha) February 8, 2025
Good morning and never forget:
No asteroids will impact the earth because space is fake and ghey. pic.twitter.com/vrX65Hg4KG
— Xrgius Xanz (@sergioa94679493) February 7, 2025
Asteroid 2024 YR4 pic.twitter.com/gbeC7Z1W5x
— Jos Jansen (@jospjansen) February 8, 2025
