A newly discovered asteroid, 2024 YR4, now has a 2.2% chance of hitting Earth on December 22, 2032, up from 1.2% last week, according to the European Space Agency (ESA). Scientists expect further observations to refine its trajectory.

BulletsIn

• 2024 YR4 discovered on December 27, 2023, by ATLAS telescope.
• Initial impact risk was 1.2%, now increased to 2.2%.
• Asteroid size estimated between 40 to 90 meters.
• High-speed impact (17 km/sec) could cause regional damage.
• Astronomers monitoring with large telescopes until April 2024.
• Will reappear in 2028 if not confirmed safe before then.
• No other large asteroid has more than a 1% risk now.
• UN-backed teams tracking and planning response if needed.