• New studies suggest smaller impactors could be a better planetary defense strategy against asteroids

    ByRishav Kothari

    Two studies published in Nature Communications explore and provide insights into efficient planetary defense strategies. These studies came out during the period when 2024 YR4 made headlines with its potential for impact in 2032. The results provide valuable insights into how to create better planetary defense procedures based on the behavior of asteroid Dimorphos ejecta produced by NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission.

  • Asteroid 2024 YR4 now has a 1 in 38 chance of impact in 2032

    ByRishav Kothari

    The impact risk of asteroid 2024 YR4 in 2032 increased from 1.8% to 2.6% (1 in 38) with new trajectory simulations and refined calculations. While the increase remains within a low-risk range, continued monitoring and additional observations will be necessary to further refine impact predictions.

  • Asteroid 2024 YR4 impact risk updated to 1.8%

    ByRishav Kothari

    The impact risk of asteroid 2024 YR4 in 2032 increased from 1.2% to 1.8% on February 6, 2025, following new trajectory simulations and refined calculations. While the increase remains within a low-risk range, continued monitoring and additional observations will be necessary to further refine impact predictions.

  • Very bright fireball illuminates Philadelphia skies, helicopters reported over possible impact site, U.S.

    ByRishav Kothari

    A very bright green fireball illuminated the sky over Pennsylvania, U.S., at 08:44 UTC (03:44 LT) on Saturday, February 1, 2025. The event was widely observed across multiple states and parts of Canada, with some witnesses reporting a ground-level flash shortly after it disappeared. Others described flashing lights moving toward the area, followed by helicopters hovering over what appeared to be a possible impact site near a lake.