Okay, so there’s this space rock zooming around out there, and it’s got a name that sounds like a Wi-Fi password: asteroid 2024 YR4. Scientists are all over it—not because it’s about to blow up the planet (spoiler: it’s not), but because it’s flying kinda close to Earth. Naturally, people want to know if we’re doomed.
So… is this thing hitting us? Why is the European Space Agency (ESA) obsessed with it? And should you start prepping a bunker? Let’s break it down.
When Was 2024 YR4 Discovered?
Asteroid 2024 YR4 popped up on our radar on December 27, 2024, thanks to the Pan-STARRS telescope crew in Hawaii. That’s the team that basically scans space 24/7 for anything suspicious, like this rock that decided to photobomb Earth’s orbit.
They’re the nerds (respectfully) who help us avoid a real-life “Armageddon” movie situation.
Asteroids that pose a hazard like Apophis and Asteroid 2024 Yr4, are constantly being monitored to ensure they are not on a collision course with Earth.
Why Is the ESA Monitoring 2024 YR4?
The ESA (European Space Agency) is watching asteroid 2024 YR4 like it’s the last cookie in the jar. Not because they think it’s going to crash, but because it’s what they do. It’s labeled a Near-Earth Object (NEO), which is science-speak for, “Hey, this thing’s flying kinda close to us.”
An ESA spokesperson basically said: “We’re not here to panic—just to be smart and know what’s flying near our house in space.”
When Did Asteroid 2024 YR4 Pass Near Earth?
Asteroid 2024 YR4 made its grand flyby on January 13, 2025, cruising by at about 4.3 million kilometers away. That’s around 2.7 million miles, or in teen terms: still far enough that you don’t need to cancel your weekend plans.
To compare, that’s about 11 times the distance between Earth and the Moon. So yeah, close-ish—but not close close.
What Do We Know About 2024 YR4?
This thing isn’t some giant planet-killer. Asteroid 2024 YR4 is only about 53 to 67 metres (174 to 220 ft) wide—think the size of a 10-story building. Not tiny, but definitely not extinction-level either.
If it did hit Earth, it could mess up a city block—but again, no one’s predicting that. We’re just watching it so it doesn’t surprise us like a pop quiz.
Is This Asteroid Hitting Earth in 2032?
Alright, here’s the tea: scientists say there’s a 0.001% chance this thing could bump into Earth on December 22, 2032. However, there is a 0.3% chance it could hit the Moon instead. So if you’re worried about your lunar vacation, maybe reschedule.
Bottom line: Asteroid 2024 YR4 isn’t on the naughty list just yet. Scientists are watching it like a hawk with a telescope and have even started talking about how to deflect it, just in case it tries anything funny.
What Does the International Asteroid Warning Network Do?
Meet the International Asteroid Warning Network (aka IAWN). These folks are like the Avengers of asteroid defense. It’s a squad of space agencies—including NASA and ESA—that share data and make sure no rock sneaks up on us.
According to ESA, IAWN is the group that’ll help us respond fast and smart if anything actually dangerous shows up.
No Reason to Worry About Asteroid 2024 YR4
Look, it’s cool to be curious, but don’t go packing an asteroid survival kit just yet. Asteroid 2024 YR4 is being watched 24/7, and as of now, it’s just vibing in space—no immediate threat, no drama.
Still, tracking stuff like this helps scientists stay sharp. If a bigger, badder asteroid ever rolls up, we’ll be more than ready with our science skills and probably a rocket or two.
And hey, how wild is it that we can even track stuff like this? Kinda makes Earth feel like a spaceship, and we’re all just passengers hoping the pilots know what they’re doing. (Spoiler: they do.)
Wonderful article 🌅🌅
Thanks so much!