Asteroid 2024 YR4 could have a positive impact on Earth, writes Anthony Cuthbertson, with Nasa saying it could ‘herald a new era for humankind’.
(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.).
Ranking as a three on the Torino Impact Hazard Scale, Asteroid 2024 YR4 has triggered global planetary defence procedures for the first time.
“We have the capability to protect ourselves from something like a dangerous, hazardous asteroid impact," the US space agency said following the mission.
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.
