Key points:

• A recent analysis by NASA shows a dramatic decrease in the threat level of asteroid 2024 YR4, originally estimated to have a 3% chance of impacting Earth.
• The asteroid is now considered to have a likelihood of only 0.0017% for a collision, safely passing Earth in December 2032.
• NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) will continue monitoring the asteroid's trajectory, including potential impacts with the Moon.

In a major update regarding asteroid 2024 YR4, NASA announced that the previously concerning asteroid no longer poses a significant threat to Earth. Once assessed to have a colliding probability as high as 3%, ongoing observations have reduced the risk to approximately 0.0017% as of now. This assures that the asteroid is expected to safely pass the planet on December 22, 2032, and there's no foreseen impact risk for at least the next century.

The asteroid, first detected by the El Sauce Observatory in Chile in December 2024, measures between 130 and 300 feet in diameter. Its composition and current trajectory were thoroughly studied, allowing experts from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and ESA's Center for Near-Earth Object Studies to deliver updated calculations with much greater accuracy. Paul Chodas, head of NASA’s studies, stated, "There is no chance the odds will rise at this point and that an impact in 2032 has been ruled out," which reflects the confidence in current assessments.

Despite the good news regarding the asteroid's potential impact on Earth, there remains a 1.7% chance that it could collide with the Moon, which the agency is also monitoring closely. Indicators suggest that this Moon impact risk will likely diminish as monitoring continues.

The James Webb Space Telescope is set to observe asteroid 2024 YR4 further next month to gather more insights regarding its mass and movement. NASA has referred to this incident as invaluable for studying planetary defense protocols that can be utilized should Earth face any future asteroid threats.

Previously labeled as a "city killer," asteroid 2024 YR4 could have inflicted severe damage if it had struck a populated area, comparable to events that shaped planetary history. The study signifies crucial advancements in asteroid detection methods and planetary defense strategies, proving humanity's capability to effectively handle potential cosmic threats.

The ongoing collaboration between organizations, such as NASA and the ESA, underscores the importance of vigilance in the realm of near-Earth objects. While current observations predict safe passage, the need for continued monitoring remains vital.Source.

For more detailed information, check out the updates from CBS News, The Hill, and Newsweek.