According to the European Space Agency (ECA), observation of an asteroid called “2024 YR4”, which may encounter the ground, will be carried out using the space telescope James Webb (JWST).
The statement published on the ECA website states that the probability of a 2 2024 YR4 asteroid collision with Earth, which previously amounted to 1.33 percent, was updated and was about 2 percent for 2032.
The probability of a collision of 2024 YR4 with the Earth will gradually increase, but then decrease. To obtain additional information about the asteroid, JWST will be used.
The first observations will be carried out in early March, when the asteroid will be most noticeable, and the second observations will be carried out in May.
Asteroid can be observed again in 2028. Thanks to these observations, astronomers will be able to obtain more clear information about the size of the asteroid.
The heavenly body in question was first discovered by the Rio Urtado telescope in Chile on December 27, 2024, and its size was estimated at 40-100 meters in width.
Astronomers predict that 2024 YR4 will not cause large -scale destruction, and if it falls to the ground, it will leave damage on an area of only 50 kilometers.
Among the places where the celestial body can fall is the east of the Pacific Ocean, the North of South America, Africa and South Asia.
International Space Agencies note that over 2024 YR4 will continue to observe, and efforts will be made to change the direction of the asteroid in case of the risk of a collision.