By Hash Techs 
Astronomers have been observing Asteroid YR4 since December 2024, a space object measuring 40 to 100 meters that may collide with Earth on December 22, 2032. Scientists are considering using a nuclear bomb to change its path, but there is no need to panic at this time.
Summary of essential information to understand
- Asteroid 2024 YR4 has a 2.2% probability of hitting Earth in 2032.
- Scientists are assessing the potential of using a nuclear explosion in space to change its course.
- Simulations suggest that this method may prevent collisions, but it could also produce smaller and hazardous pieces.
Is it a genuine issue or just a false alarm?
The chances of impact have been varying in recent months, as is typical when a newly identified asteroid is added to the risk list of NASA and the European Space Agency. Experts note that as more observations are made, the likelihood of impact typically decreases. However, the recent increase in odds has raised concerns.
Scientists are expected to confirm by April 2025 that there will be no impact, according to Davide Farnocchia, NASA’s navigation engineer.
The likelihood of a collision has increased significantly recently, but that doesn’t guarantee it will persist at the same rate.
Do nuclear explosions function effectively?
Some scientists are already exploring planetary defense strategies, with one study proposing the use of radiation pulses from a nuclear explosion in space as an effective means to prevent impacts.
Scientists conducted experiments using radiation machines to mimic interactions with an asteroid. The outcome led to the object being vaporized and changing its trajectory like a “dando re” rocket. Harrison Agrusa, a scientist at the Côte d’Azur Observatory, suggests that this method may be the sole option for dealing with asteroids identified at short notice.
An unmanned spacecraft would transport a nuclear device to explode near the asteroid, releasing X-rays, gamma rays, and neutrons to break down and vaporize part of it. Nevertheless, there is a significant danger that the explosion could break a large asteroid into multiple small pieces that may still impact Earth.
What is happening?
Scientists will keep observing the 2024 YR4 until April to establish its precise trajectory, and if necessary, a nuclear detonation in space could be considered for planetary defense.
Nathan Moore, the lead researcher of the study, mentions the importance of understanding that large asteroids typically do not collide with Earth and the significance of being able to ready ourselves for defense.
Large asteroids rarely collide with the Earth, which is reassuring. It is also reassuring that we have methods to ready ourselves for such natural calamities.
If the asteroid comes near Earth again in 2028, the debate on placing nuclear weapons in space will intensify, although there is no need to panic at the moment.
Information from Folha and The Network was used.