Good News From NASA, Opportunities For 2024 YR4 Asteroid Collision Have Decreased

JAKARTA Since December 2024, astronomers have been worried about the emergence of the 2024 YR4 asteroid. Several space agencies around the world, including NASA, predict collision opportunities.

Recently, the probability of an asteroid collision with Earth was said to increase. Based on observations from NASA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the 2024 YR4 collision opportunity in 2032 increased to 3.1 percent.

In fact, in early January, the probability was still 1.2 percent. If the prediction of the collision is increasing, the impact of the asteroid measuring 40 to 90 meters is very likely. Fortunately, the latest data from NASA shows a decrease in probability.

In just one day, the percentage of collisions immediately changed. Now, the probability of the impact of the 2024 YR4 collision is 1.5 percent. Despite showing good changes, this drastic increase and decline show the uncertainty of space.

"Recent observations further limit the uncertainty around the asteroid's trajectory," NASA said in its official broadcast, quoted on Friday, February 21. "As we continue to observe the movement of asteroids over time, the possible location region will shrink."

Observations of the 2024 YR4 will continue until the asteroid approaches Earth on December 22, 2032. The level 3 asteroid in the category of the European Space Agency (ESA) is important to observe while seeking defense action to prevent impacts from collisions.

"Every night additional observations increase our understanding of where the asteroid could be on December 22, 2032," NASA said. "The impact probability will continue to grow as new observations of the asteroid 2024 YR4 are made over the coming days and weeks."