UN activates Planetary Security Protocol in the face of a dangerous asteroid

Given the probability of asteroid 2024 YR4 impacting Earth in 2032, the United Nations has activated the Planetary Security Protocol for the first time.

According to recent reports, the asteroid is approaching Earth and has a 1.5 % probability of impacting the planet in 2032.

Although it is recognized that this is a very small possibility, in view of the possible impact, the UN decided to activate said protocol, according to Juan Luis Cano, coordinator of NASA’s Planetary Defense Office.

European Space Agency keeps watch on asteroid 2024 YR4

The European Space Agency (ESA) said on Tuesday: “Asteroid 2024 YR4 is estimated to be larger than 50 m and has a probability of impact greater than 1 % at some point in the next 50 years. It therefore meets all the criteria necessary to activate the two UN-approved asteroid response groups: the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) and the Space Mission Planning Advisory Group (SMPAG).”

Cano stressed that there are no strong reasons for concern. However, as space observers, agencies working with NASA must do everything possible to mitigate any possible risk, since “asteroid 2024 YR4 is now classified at level 3 on the Turin impact risk scale.” ESA believes that “it will likely remain on the risk list until it becomes observable again in 2028.”

Between April and May of that year, the SMPAG will meet again to reassess the situation. If it is confirmed that the diameter of the asteroid remains above 50 m “and the probability of impact remains above 1%, the SMPAG will issue a recommendation on additional measures to be taken to the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)”.

M.Pino

Source: 20minutos

(Main reference image source: Planet Volumes for Unsplash+)

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