Unexpected threat to Earth that stunned scientists named the most serious

Scientists have named asteroid 2024 YR4 as the most dangerous among all known potentially hazardous objects. According to specialists' calculations, it will approach our planet in December 2032, reports Zakon.kz.

This asteroid, discovered in late December 2024, has a diameter of about 100 meters. It will reach its minimum distance to Earth approximately on December 22, 2032, writes The Guardian.

Although the probability of collision is estimated at only 1.3%, this is the highest rate among observed asteroids.

"The asteroid has been assigned three points on the Turin scale, used to assess the risk of celestial bodies colliding with Earth. This requires enhanced monitoring of its trajectory. In astronomical history, only one object had a higher rating - asteroid Apophis. In 2004, it was assigned a level four hazard rating, but it was later lowered, ruling out any threat to Earth in this century," explains Professor Colin Snodgrass from the University of Edinburgh.

According to the scientist, the main task for specialists is to clarify the asteroid's orbit. Long-term observations will allow them to adjust calculations and either confirm the threat or definitively rule it out.

"Additional measurements will be conducted in the coming months. If the probability of collision remains high, 2024 YR4 will be monitored at least until 2028," adds Snodgrass.

The scientist emphasizes that even if the asteroid falls, it won't cause a global catastrophe, however, its collision with Earth could destroy an entire city.

For comparison, the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago was 100 times larger. Objects with a diameter of about 100 meters fall to Earth extremely rarely - once every few thousand years.

Specialists are considering the possibility of altering the asteroid's trajectory using an interceptor spacecraft if the threat of collision is confirmed.