NASA and astronomers named the only chance to save Earth

The threat of collision with Earth by the recently discovered asteroid 2024 YR4 may require the use of nuclear weapons to deflect it from its dangerous trajectory.

As reported by Baku.ws with reference to RIA Novosti, this opinion was expressed by British astronomer and journalist David Whitehouse to Sky News.

On February 8, NASA announced that the probability of collision with Earth in 2032 of the recently discovered asteroid 2024 YR4 has increased to 2.3%. 2024 YR4 is currently the only asteroid with a probability of collision with Earth greater than 1%. According to NASA, the asteroid's diameter could be up to 90 meters. NASA added that in March 2025, they plan to observe the asteroid using the James Webb telescope to more accurately determine its size.

"We might even have to consider taking drastic measures by launching nuclear weapons at the surface of this asteroid to further deflect it from its trajectory," Whitehouse stated in his comment to the channel.

The expert emphasized that measures to change the asteroid's trajectory should be taken as early as 2028, when it next approaches Earth.

2024 YR4, if found to be at least 90 meters in diameter, could be capable of causing catastrophic damage to a major city if it collides with Earth, according to the article citing space journalist Kate Arkless Gray.

The Chinese State Administration of Defense Science, Technology and Industry recently opened recruitment for a "planetary defense" position amid concerns about the possible impact of asteroid 2024 YR4.

Earlier, astronomer and scientific director of the Ka-Dar Observatory and Astroverts astrofarm Stas Korotky told RIA Novosti that asteroid 2024 YR4 could collide with our planet in 2032, with the probability of this event currently estimated between 0.5 and 6%.