The asteroid, called 2024 YR4, is roughly 130 to 300 feet across. It was first reported on Dec. 27, 2024, by the NASA-funded Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System station in Chile. Its impact probability will be refined as more data is collected. It could be ruled out entirely, or it might see its impact probability rise, according to NASA.

Astronomers worldwide are monitoring Asteroid 2024 YR4, which has a 2% chance of hitting Earth on December 22, 2032. While the probability is low, the asteroid’s size and trajectory were enough to trigger an international warning system for planetary defence.

Scientists say the threat of a newly discovered asteroid has risen slightly in the past few weeks, as the world's telescopes rush to track its course.