The chances that an asteroid spotted last year by space scientists could strike Earth in around 8 years time have increased slightly.
Asteroid 2024 YR4 is estimated to be between 40 and 90 meters wide and following a course that will bring it close to Earth in December 2032.
Astronomers now estimate that the chance of it striking our planet is 2% – or 1 in 50 – up very slightly from their previous predictions.
In the coming years scientists will be able to identify the probability of a collision with far more accuracy and are likely to to rule it out.
If the space rock is on a direct course for Earth a mission could be mounted to deflect it from its current course.
Jane Hill presents BBC News at Ten reporting by Rebecca Morelle.
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Author: BBC News
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News post in February 15, 2025, 12:04 am.
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