Mumbai Among Potential Targets of ‘City-Killer’ Asteroid 2024 YR4

A recently discovered asteroid, designated 2024 YR4, has garnered significant attention due to its potential threat to Earth. Dubbed a “city-killer,” this space rock has an estimated 1.5% (or 1 in 67) chance of impacting our planet during a close approach on December 22, 2032. Notably, Mumbai is among the major cities identified within the potential impact corridor.

Asteroid YR4 Details

• Size and Speed: 2024 YR4 is estimated to be between 130 and 300 feet wide, comparable to a large office building, and is traveling at approximately 38,000 miles per hour.

• Discovery: The asteroid was first detected on December 27, 2024, and has since been closely monitored by astronomers worldwide.

Potential Impact Zone

The projected impact path of 2024 YR4 spans several regions, including:

• Eastern Pacific Ocean
• Northern South America
• Atlantic Ocean
• Africa
• Arabian Sea
• Southern Asia

Within this “risk corridor,” major urban centers such as Bogota, Lagos, and Mumbai are highlighted as areas of concern. A direct impact on any of these densely populated cities could result in catastrophic damage, with the potential to devastate entire metropolitan areas.

NASA’s Response and Mitigation Plans

In response to the potential threat posed by 2024 YR4, NASA, in collaboration with international space agencies, is actively developing strategies to prevent a possible collision. One proposed method involves deploying a rocket equipped with explosives to alter the asteroid’s trajectory or destroy it entirely. The success of such a mission would depend on precise calculations and a thorough understanding of the asteroid’s composition.

Ongoing Observations and Future Outlook

Astronomers are continually refining their calculations to determine the exact trajectory of 2024 YR4. While the current probability of impact stands at 1.5%, this figure may change as more data becomes available. Historically, the perceived threat levels of newly discovered asteroids have often decreased with additional observations. Nonetheless, the scientific community remains vigilant, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and continued monitoring.

Conclusion

The potential threat of asteroid 2024 YR4 underscores the necessity for global cooperation in planetary defense initiatives. As Mumbai and other major cities lie within the possible impact zone, it is imperative to support and invest in research and technologies aimed at detecting and mitigating such cosmic hazards.