Odds Of Asteroid Hitting Earth Rises, Simulation Shows Devastating Effect

Nasa has increased the probability of a 'city killer' asteroid striking Earth in 2032 to 1 in 32, or 3.1 per cent, and a video of a chilling animation of its impact has gone viral. While the Asteroid 2024 YR4 is small and has the potential to wipe off a major city, it is too small to cause a global catastrophe.

The US space agency's Centre for Near Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) had earlier listed the chance of 2024 YR4 colliding with the planet at 2.6 per cent. The figure was just 1 per cent at the end of January. Experts said there is no cause for concern despite the odds.

"I'm not panicking. Naturally, when you see the percentages go up, it doesn't make you feel warm and fuzzy and good," Bruce Betts, chief scientist for the nonprofit Planetary Society told AFP. He said that the probability may increase as astronomers study more about the asteroid before rapidly dropping to zero.