ESA Confirms Asteroid 2024 YR4 Will Safely Pass Earth in 2032

New calculations reduce the collision risk to near zero, alleviating initial fears of a catastrophic impact.

The European Space Agency (ESA) has revised the impact probability of asteroid 2024 YR4 with Earth to just 0.001%, down from earlier estimates as high as 3.1%.
The asteroid, first observed in December 2024, is expected to pass close to Earth on December 22, 2032, but poses no significant threat.
Scientists estimate the asteroid’s size to be between 40 and 90 meters in diameter, capable of causing severe destruction if it were to collide with Earth.
The asteroid's risk level on the Turiner Impact Hazard Scale has been downgraded from level 3 to level 0, meaning no special monitoring is required.
Despite the minimal risk, the James Webb Space Telescope will observe the asteroid to refine size estimates and enhance planetary defense strategies.