Odds of an asteroid impact in 2032 just went up. Here's why experts say you shouldn't worry

[Admin]

The chances of the asteroid 2024 YR4 hitting Earth in 2032 appear to have doubled, but an asteroid hunter explains to Space.com why this isn't cause for concern.

Odds of an asteroid impact in 2032 just went up. Here's why experts say you shouldn't worry : Read more

 

[coldish]

The chances of the asteroid 2024 YR4 hitting Earth in 2032 appear to have doubled, but an asteroid hunter explains to Space.com why this isn't cause for concern.

Odds of an asteroid impact in 2032 just went up. Here's why experts say you shouldn't worry : Read more

I have not really cared what "the experts" think for years anyway.

 

[Cdr. Shepard]

Well Robert, I wasn't worried before and now I am.

 

[XXXXXUSERXXXXX]

It's not very big, I wonder if we can divert it.

 

[billslugg]

Yes, it could be diverted rather easily. A single launch of a Falcon 9 could carry the needed three ton mass. It could be launched at the next close pass, 4 years from now, reach it in as little as 10 days, hit it, and then 4 more years would allow it to move enough to miss Earth. The problem is it would need to be funded now so it could be prepared and launched in 2028. However, we won't know until 2028 if it is going to hit Earth in the 2032 passage.

 

[Unclear Engineer]

However, we won't know until 2028 if it is going to hit Earth in the 2032 passage.

Maybe we will know more soon enough. See https://www.livescience.com/space/a...d-2024-yr4-before-its-close-approach-to-earth .