Asteroid YR4 is heading towards Earth — tsunamis and catastrophe possible

May 3, 2025 - Astronomers have intensified observation of asteroid 2024 YR4, after the probability of its collision with Earth in the coming years has increased. According to updated data, the cosmic body may approach our planet in 2032, and although the chance of impact remains low, the possible consequences are forcing scientists to keep the object under constant monitoring.

Asteroid YR4, discovered in 2024, falls into the category of near-Earth objects requiring close attention from the scientific community. According to the international Turin scale, used to classify space threats, the potential danger of this celestial wanderer is rated at 3 points out of 10 possible. Such a rating means an "attention-requiring" level, which does not exclude local destruction in case of a collision with Earth.

Experts warn: if it falls on land, YR4 is capable of releasing colossal energy, tens of times exceeding the power of the infamous Chelyabinsk meteorite. In the case of a water landing, the consequences could be even more catastrophic – giant tsunamis could deliver a devastating blow to coastal territories.

However, leading astronomers call for calm, emphasizing the prematurity of talks about an imminent threat. The key moment will come in 2028, when the asteroid will pass closer to Earth, allowing scientists to calculate its orbital parameters with much greater accuracy and assess the real risks.

Currently, the space object YR4 is under round-the-clock observation by several observatories around the world. The scientific community assures: even if the threat level increases, humanity will have enough time for a comprehensive risk assessment and, if necessary, the development and implementation of protective measures.