Asteroid 2024 YR4 could have a positive impact on Earth, writes Anthony Cuthbertson, with Nasa saying it could ‘herald a new era for humankind’. This is not a wish for an apocalypse or a craving for mass destruction. (The potential impact of Asteroid 2024 YR4 would be catastrophic: if it crashed into a densely populated city like Lagos or Kolkata – which are both on its estimated flight path – then tens of millions of people might die or be displaced.).
![[The trajectory of Asteroid 2024 YR4 passes from South America to Asia, crossing central Africa]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/02/13/9/42/asteroid-2024-YR4-trajectory.jpeg)
It was not just a technological triumph, Nasa described the ability to see off asteroids as "a new era of humankind", showing that it is possible to go from warring tribes to a civilisation capable of planet-wide cooperation. “We have the capability to protect ourselves from something like a dangerous, hazardous asteroid impact," the US space agency said following the mission. "What an amazing thing.”.
![[A visualisation by Nasa’s Eyes on Asteroids of Asteroid 2024 YR4 on 22 December, 2032]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/02/13/10/09/asteroid-2024-YR4-odds.png)
There is nothing like a planetary threat to bring the world together. Ranking as a three on the Torino Impact Hazard Scale, Asteroid 2024 YR4 has triggered global planetary defence procedures for the first time. Two UN-endorsed response groups – the International Asteroid Warning Network and the Space Mission Planning Advisory Group – are already working to narrow down its trajectory and prepare any necessary intervention.
With efforts stretching from the European Space Agency to China’s defence agency are already proving, it has become a moment to share resources and knowledge, and take collective action against an existential threat. And if it can be achieved with an asteroid, then similar levels of cooperation and organisation could potentially be extended to global challenges like climate change and the emergence of superhuman AI.
