An asteroid may hit Earth – level 2

An asteroid may hit Earth

18-02-2025 07:00

Last year, scientists found an asteroid 2024 YR4, which they are watching because it may hit Earth.

The asteroid is between 40 and 90 meters wide and may come close to Earth on December 22, 2032. There is a small chance, about 2%, that it could hit our planet. Scientists say there is no reason to worry because the chance of it missing Earth is still very high. When astronomers spot an asteroid, they don’t know exactly where it will go. As they collect more information, they can calculate its path better. If they see that it is coming towards Earth, they can try to change its direction. NASA tested this method by hitting an asteroid with a spacecraft.

For now, scientists will keep studying 2024 YR4 before it becomes invisible in May, and they won’t see it again until 2028.

Difficult words: path (a track between one place and another), direction (the way something is moving), invisible (not possible to see).

You can watch the original video in the Level 3 section.

What factors contribute to scientists feeling confident about the asteroid missing Earth despite its close approach on December 22, 2032, and what method has been tested to alter an asteroid’s course if needed?

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