Science Weekly

Don’t look up: is an asteroid heading for Earth?

7 snips
Feb 11, 2025
Richard Binzel, a renowned planetary sciences professor at MIT and inventor of the Torino scale, discusses the recent emergence of asteroid 2024 YR4, which threatens a close approach to Earth in 2032. He outlines global defense measures that have been activated, emphasizing the urgency of preparedness. The conversation dives into how asteroids are monitored, the importance of trajectory predictions, and NASA's innovative techniques for potential asteroid deflection. Binzel connects this to historical events, shedding light on our strategies to mitigate asteroid threats.
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ANECDOTE

2024 YR4 Asteroid

  • The 2024 YR4 asteroid, about half a soccer pitch wide, triggered global defense procedures.
  • A similar-sized object exploded over Tunguska in 1908, flattening trees for hundreds of kilometers.
INSIGHT

Asteroid Discovery and Tracking

  • The 2024 YR4 asteroid was first spotted by a telescope in Chile in December 2024.
  • Astronomers worldwide track such asteroids, sharing data publicly to refine orbit calculations.
INSIGHT

Torino Scale

  • The Torino Scale, a 0-10 scale, categorizes asteroid impact risks, with 10 being a dinosaur-level event.
  • 2024 YR4 is a 3, meaning it has a low probability but warrants monitoring.
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