A Former Nasa Astronaut Warns That Asteroid 2024 Yr4 Could Be Catastrophic

Retired astronaut Chris Hadfield warned about this new space object that he compared to "a bullet heading to Earth from space". According to NASA, this asteroid has a diameter between 40 and 100 meters and was first detected at the end of 2024.

Preliminary calculations indicate that on December 22, 2032, it will pass just 170,000 kilometers from our planet. This is less than half the distance that separates us from the Moon.

What would happen if it impacts Earth?

Hadfield warned that, in case of collision, the energy released would be equivalent to the explosion of 7.7 megatons of TNT. This would mean a force 500 times greater than the most powerful bomb detonated in World War II.

The impact would generate a crater over 900 meters in diameter, with devastating effects in the collision area.

Constant monitoring and impact possibilities

Astronomers are monitoring the trajectory of asteroid 2024 YR4 and, although the probability of impact remains low, they continue gathering data. NASA plans to use the James Webb Space Telescope to obtain more precise measurements in May.

The results of these observations will help determine if the asteroid poses a real threat and evaluate possible planetary defense strategies.

Opportunity for science

Despite the alarm, experts highlight that this event is a unique opportunity to study the behavior of these objects. A scientist from NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies explained that these close approaches allow testing monitoring capabilities and evaluating prevention measures.

Meanwhile, the scientific community calls for calm and closely follows the progress of asteroid 2024 YR4 as new observations are prepared.