Don’t Miss This! Watch the Asteroid That Had Everyone Talking Zoom Safely Past Earth (Video)

New observations of Asteroid 2024 YR4 have all but eliminated the risk of it hitting Earth in 2032. This asteroid, measuring between 131 and 295 feet (40 to 90 meters), could have caused significant local damage if it had collided with our planet. However, recent data from the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) has reduced the asteroid’s impact probability to around 0.001%. Just a week ago, that figure was over 3%, the highest ever recorded for an asteroid of this size.

The ESO released new videos showing the asteroid’s path and potential position on December 22, 2032. Using data from VLT observations taken on February 20, astronomers were able to refine the asteroid’s trajectory. This information was crucial for determining the reshaped odds of an impact, according to the ESO.

As astronomers continue to monitor 2024 YR4, its trajectory is expected to change. Early observations were tricky since the asteroid is moving away from Earth, making it fainter. Olivier Hainaut, an ESO astronomer, compared studying its orbit to shining a flashlight: as you observe more, the beam becomes clearer and narrower. Initially, the light was pointing toward Earth, increasing the impact probability. Now, that beam is directing away from us.

With this new, refined understanding of its path, the chances of 2024 YR4 impacting Earth in 2032 are nearly zero. The VLT, with its large mirrors, can detect fainter celestial objects, which is essential for tracking such asteroids.

Located on Cerro Paranal in Chile’s Atacama Desert, the VLT benefits from clear and dark skies, enhancing its observations of objects like 2024 YR4. However, this pristine environment could be threatened by a planned renewable energy project nearby, which may create light pollution. If the skies above the VLT become too bright, astronomers fear they could lose sight of 2024 YR4 earlier, affecting our ability to monitor its trajectory and prepare for potential impacts.

Understanding and tracking near-Earth asteroids is crucial in planetary defense. Continued observations help scientists predict their paths accurately, which is vital for ensuring our safety from possible collisions.

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