Which asteroid was initially predicted to have a chance of impacting Earth in 2032?

Asteroid 2024 YR4 was initially identified as a potential impact threat to Earth in 2032. Discovered on December 27, 2024, early calculations estimated a 3.1% chance of collision on December 22, 2032. However, further observations and refined calculations by NASA significantly lowered this probability to 0.004%, ruling out a likely impact. The European Space Agency (ESA) confirmed similar findings.

Asteroid 2024 YR4 Key Facts

  • Discovery Date: December 27, 2024
  • Estimated Size: 40 to 90 meters in diameter
  • Initial Impact Probability: 3.1%
  • Revised Impact Probability: 0.004%
  • Potential Impact Effects: Localized destruction similar to the Tunguska Event (1908)
  • Monitoring Agencies: NASA, ESA, and global planetary defense teams