Asteroid 2022 YS5, estimated to be greater than 85 meters in diameter, is scheduled to safely flyby Earth on July 17, passing within 7.4 million kilometers. This event highlights the importance of global cooperation in monitoring near-Earth objects (NEOs) and planetary defense, with agencies like NASA and ISRO actively tracking the asteroid. ISRO is focusing on enhancing its planetary defense infrastructure, including the upcoming close approach of Apophis in 2029, and collaborating internationally on missions for early detection and deflection strategies. While 2022 YS5 poses no threat, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and preparedness against potential asteroid risks.
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Asteroid 2024 YR4, estimated at 131 to 295 feet wide, has a currently calculated 2% chance of impacting Earth in 2032. Astronomers are utilizing various telescopes, including the James Webb Space Telescope, to refine its trajectory and size estimations before it becomes unobservable in April. More precise data will help determine the potential impact severity, ranging from localized devastation to regional destruction depending on the asteroid’s actual size. The ongoing observations are crucial for planetary defense, as smaller asteroids, while less frequent than larger ones, can still cause significant damage.
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Newly discovered asteroid 2024 YR poses a calculated 2.3% chance of impacting Earth in 2032, prompting a rise in its impact risk ranking. While initially assessed as a low-probability threat by the ESA, NASA’s Cneos now places it at a three on the Torino scale. However, scientists emphasize that these probabilities are subject to change with further observation and data collection on its trajectory and velocity. The likelihood of impact is expected to decrease significantly as more data becomes available.
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A relatively small asteroid recently entered Earth’s atmosphere and burned up over Siberia. While this event caused a stir and understandably generated some alarm, the fact that it disintegrated in the atmosphere highlights the significant difference between a near miss and an actual catastrophic impact. The video footage available online clearly shows the asteroid’s fiery demise, effectively lessening the initial sense of danger. The event serves as a reminder of the constant barrage of space debris entering our atmosphere, most of which poses no real threat.
The near miss over Siberia is only part of a larger story. Another massive asteroid is scheduled to make a close pass to Earth this week.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood