Tech
The probability of a collision between Earth and an asteroid is increasing (VIDEO)
NASA has made an emergency decision: the reason is that the probability of a collision between Earth and a "city-destroying" asteroid is increasing.
Astronomers predict that the asteroid 2024 YR4 will have a 2.3% chance of colliding with Earth on December 22, 2032.
An international team of astronomers has been allowed to use the James Webb Space Telescope. This way, they will find out how much damage the asteroid can cause, be able to accurately measure it, and make the latest calculations of its orbit.
According to the best estimates, the asteroid is about 90 meters (300 feet) wide, about the same size as the Statue of Liberty in New York or Big Ben in London.
The object "2024 YR4" was first spotted in late December last year in Chile. Although the collision probability was estimated at only 1.3% then, it remained the greatest threat to Earth and ranked first on NASA and ESA's risk lists. The asteroid, estimated to be up to 90 m in diameter, could cause severe damage if it collided with Earth. The asteroid would cause local damage but not threaten the entire planet or humanity.
