Google trend - Asteroide 2024 YR4 NASA

Asteroide 2024 YR4 NASA - 10 things to know with detail

• Name: The asteroid is officially named 2024 YR4 by NASA. It was first observed on December 30, 2024.
• Classification: 2024 YR4 belongs to the Apollo group of asteroids, which are near-Earth asteroids that have the potential to cross Earth's orbit.
• Size: The size of the asteroid is estimated to be between 50 to 100 meters in diameter, making it relatively large compared to other asteroids that have passed close to Earth.
• Close Approach: On January 6, 2025, 2024 YR4 will make a close approach to Earth, coming within a distance of approximately 0.028 AU (astronomical units) or about 4.2 million kilometers.
• Speed: The asteroid is traveling at a speed of about 20.8 kilometers per second relative to Earth, which is relatively fast for a celestial object of its size.
• Orbit: 2024 YR4 follows an elliptical orbit around the Sun, with a period of about 1.3 years. Its orbit is inclined relative to the plane of the solar system, which is why it can cross Earth's orbit.
• Potential Impact: While 2024 YR4 poses no immediate threat of impacting Earth during its upcoming close approach, it is classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid due to its size and orbit.
• Observation: NASA and other space agencies around the world are closely monitoring the asteroid to track its trajectory and determine any potential future close approaches to Earth.
• Mitigation Strategies: In the event that 2024 YR4 is found to pose a future impact risk, scientists are studying various mitigation strategies to deflect or destroy the asteroid to prevent a potential collision with Earth.
• Research Opportunities: Studying asteroids like 2024 YR4 provides valuable insights into the early solar system and can help scientists better understand the potential threat of asteroid impacts on Earth and how to mitigate them in the future.