Asteroid 2024 YR4 was observed by an automated telescope in Chile just over a month ago but has since risen to the top of impact risk lists run by the U.S. and European space agencies.

Based on measurements so far, the asteroid has a 1.3% chance of hitting Earth on Dec. 22, 2032.

The asteroid ranks as a 3 on the Torino Impact Hazard Scale, which means a close encounter that astronomers must pay attention to, because there is a 1% or greater chance of a collision in the next decade that would cause “localized destruction.” The Torino scale ranges from 0, when there is no risk, to 10 when a collision is certain and poses a threat to the future of civilization as we know it.

Read more at Newsmax© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.