Scientists have largely ruled out the threat posed by an asteroid that was previously believed to potentially collide with Earth in one of the most densely populated areas in 2032, as reported by Tengri Life referencing Euronews.
The European Space Agency has reduced the probability to 0.001 percent, while NASA has lowered it to 0.0017 percent. This indicates that the celestial body will safely pass by Earth in 2032, and there will be no collision threat for the next century.
"The reason for this reassessment is a better understanding by scientists of its trajectory, known as the exit from the uncertainty zone," the report states.
Paul Chodas, who heads NASA's Center for Near Earth Object Studies, confirmed to reporters that a collision in 2032 is ruled out.
Telescope networks worldwide will continue to monitor 2024 YR4, continuously refining its trajectory and physical characteristics.
"The asteroid, no longer posing a significant danger to Earth, has provided us with an invaluable opportunity for study," NASA stated.
In the coming years, several new telescopes—particularly Vera Rubin and Flyeye—will assist researchers in detecting hazardous objects more swiftly, while the European early warning mission NEOMIR, currently in development, will serve as an important addition to the planetary defense system.
To recall, the asteroid was discovered in December 2024, measuring between 40 to 90 meters, comparable to a football field. If it had collided with Earth, it could have devastated an entire city. Later, the likelihood of a collision with the newly discovered celestial body increased to 3 percent.
NASA managed to capture images of 2024 YR4, which topped global asteroid risk lists.
