The International Astronomical Center announced the discovery of a new asteroid, designated "2024 YR4", distinguished by the highest probability of collision with Earth among other asteroids.
Mukhammad Shukat Ouda, the director of the International Astronomical Center and a member of the International Asteroid Warning Network, reported that the asteroid was detected on December 27 of last year using the telescope system "Atlas". Its diameter is estimated to be between 40 and 100 meters, and it has a classification on the Torino scale indicating a collision probability with Earth of 1.2%, which is the highest value to date.
The asteroid approached Earth on December 25 of last year at a distance of 829 thousand kilometers and is expected to come closer by December 17, 2028, with no threat. However, its third approach on December 22, 2032, may present potential danger.
The asteroid was detected only within 34 days, and its low brightness makes it challenging to track even for large telescopes. Astronomers are calling for focus on observing this asteroid urgently, regardless of the better opportunities for its study in 2028.
Currently, the asteroid will pass close to Earth on December 22, 2032, at a distance of 106 thousand kilometers with a margin of error of 1.6 million kilometers, which leaves open the possibility of a collision with the planet. In the event of a collision, the damage would be local, as the asteroid's diameter is similar to the asteroid that caused a catastrophe in Tunguska, Siberia in 1908.
It is noted that the Torino scale is used for the classification of cosmic objects by their likelihood of colliding with Earth and the degree of danger of such a collision. It consists of 10 grades, where 10 indicates maximum danger.
