In December 2024, astronomers detected a new asteroid, named 2024 YR4, which has since captured the attention of space agencies worldwide. But why did this have sparked both curiosity and concern? Is there a possibility for this asteroid to hit Earth?

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The threat of a newly discovered asteroid has risen slightly in the past few weeks, as the world’s telescopes rush to track its course. But the chance of an impact is still quite slim.

Over the next several weeks, astronomers will be looking closely at an asteroid called 2024 YR4 that could be as big as a football field as they try to determine how likely it is to strike Earth in 2032.