Astronomers are actively monitoring the asteroid 2024 YR4, which is projected to be between 40 and 90 metres wide, comparable in size to a large building. While the chances of it impacting Earth are low, there is concern due to its trajectory. This asteroid was first detected by the ATLAS telescope in Chile on December 27, 2023, and will soon be studied by the James Webb Space Telescope, which will provide more precise measurements of its size and orbit.
Historically, smaller asteroids have caused significant regional damage, underscoring the importance of understanding 2024 YR4. Asteroids of this size impact Earth every few thousand years, with past events, like the 1908 Tunguska event, illustrating their potential devastation. If 2024 YR4 were to be on the larger end of its size estimate, an impact could result in damage extending up to 50 kilometres from the site.
With the asteroid expected to remain visible until early April, observatories around the globe, especially in Hawaii, are crucial in tracking its movements. More data and observations are planned for March and May to ensure that any risks can be assessed, given that the asteroid will not return to view until June 2028. Understanding its size is vital for evaluating potential threats in future encounters.