Asteroid 2024 YR4: Why Its Close Approach to Earth Holds More Surprises Ahead!

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is almost finished in Chile. This facility, previously known as the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, has a key goal: to find small asteroids close to Earth. In just over two years, NASA plans to launch the NEO Surveyor, which will look for threats in our Solar System. Another exciting project is the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, set to launch in 2027. While it won’t search specifically for asteroids, it will likely spot potential threats as well.

Thanks to these powerful tools, astronomers expect to discover ten to a hundred times more objects similar to the recently identified 2024 YR4.

“Many of these new finds may come with initial uncertainties about how close they get to Earth,” said Binzel. “But with time and careful observation, we can often rule out any danger.”

So, why is finding more asteroids good news? Around thirty years ago, Binzel developed the “Torino Scale” to assess the risk posed by asteroids and comets that could hit Earth. This scale measures both the likelihood of an object colliding with our planet and the energy it would unleash if it did.

It ranks threats from 0, meaning no risk, up to 10, which is nearly as catastrophic as the destruction of Alderaan in Star Wars.

One notable asteroid, 99942 Apophis, reached a level 4 on the scale shortly after its discovery in 2004. However, further research confirmed it would pass Earth safely in 2036. Recently, 2024 YR4 hit a level 3 when its potential for impact was at its peak, but now it has dropped back to a safe level 0.

This situation highlights how many small rocks are zooming around our Solar System. The key takeaway is that knowledge is essential when it comes to asteroids and comets.

“Instead of causing alarm, finding these objects and tracking their paths helps us feel more secure. We will not be caught off guard by a hefty asteroid,” Binzel explained. “If we do encounter a real threat, having time to plan a deflection mission makes us safer.”