Recently, NASA released a list of countries that could potentially be impacted by a deadly asteroid, named YR4 2024. This asteroid has been given the ominous title of “City Killer” because of its potential to completely destroy a city like London upon impact. The list, which marks high-risk zones, includes several countries that lie along an imaginary red line of potential impact. India is one of the countries that could be at risk if this asteroid collides with Earth.
The Risk of YR4 2024
NASA’s calculations indicate that the chances of this asteroid hitting Earth were initially only 0.3%, but after reevaluation, new predictions suggest that if it does impact, certain countries would be in extreme danger. This possibility has sparked concerns worldwide, especially in nations that fall within the identified risk corridor.
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When Will This Asteroid Hit?
The estimated impact year for YR4 2024 is 2032, which is only seven years away. Many people may perceive 2032 as a distant future, but time moves quickly. Given the high stakes, governments and space agencies worldwide must take preventive measures to mitigate any catastrophic consequences.
Global Reactions and China’s Response
While the probability of impact remains low, some countries are already taking precautionary actions. The Chinese government has launched a planetary defense initiative to prepare for possible threats from asteroids. China is investing billions of dollars in research and development to build a specialized Planetary Defense Force, which will work on strategies to deflect or destroy potential threats from space.
China’s proactive stance has been widely covered in international media, and the recruitment process for their planetary defense team has already begun. This move shows that China is positioning itself as a global leader in space defense, challenging the conventional narrative where Hollywood films often depict the United States as the world’s savior in such scenarios.
What About India?
India’s space agency, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), has previously acknowledged the importance of asteroid defense. Former ISRO Chief S. Somanath stated that protecting Earth from asteroid threats is a responsibility India should actively take part in.
However, compared to China, India currently lacks a dedicated planetary defense program. Given the significant advancements in India’s space technology, experts believe that ISRO could still develop a strategy within a few years if needed. If further studies in 2028 confirm that YR4 2024 is indeed on a collision course with India, urgent action will be required.
Can We Stop the Asteroid?
One of the primary methods of preventing an asteroid collision is deflection. The DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) mission, conducted by NASA, demonstrated that a spacecraft could change the trajectory of an asteroid. China plans to develop similar missions, and if needed, India could explore this option too.
If no global action is taken, and YR4 2024 is indeed on course for impact, India will have to act independently to safeguard its population. A well-funded, coordinated planetary defense strategy should be considered sooner rather than later.
Final Thoughts
Although the probability of impact is still relatively low (around 2.2% as per latest estimates), it would be reckless to ignore the risks entirely. Countries like China have already recognized the importance of space defense, while India must still make a definitive move in this direction.
As we move closer to 2032, governments and space agencies must collaborate to develop solutions to protect Earth from potential asteroid collisions. The next few years will be critical in determining whether YR4 2024 remains a mere scientific curiosity or a real planetary threat.
