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Asteroid 2024 YR4 won’t hit in 2032, but it will be back
- Asteroid 2024 YR4, initially feared to hit Earth in 2032, has been determined not to pose a threat.
- Despite this, due to a unique orbital resonance phenomenon, asteroids like 2024 YR4 will cyclically return near Earth.
- These asteroids, located in a specific orbital Kirkwood gap influenced by Jupiter's gravity, could potentially collide with planets like Earth.
- Asteroid 887 Alinda, significantly larger than 2024 YR4 and capable of global damage, has an orbit that closely intersects Earth's.
- The orbits of 2024 YR4 and 887 Alinda exhibit a resonant pattern with Jupiter, causing them to return regularly to Earth's vicinity.
- The concept of Kirkwood gaps, where asteroids interact with Jupiter's gravitational pull, has been recognized since the late 1800s.
- Asteroids like 2024 YR4 and 887 Alinda follow specific orbital patterns that lead them back to Earth every few years.
- The orbit of 2024 YR4 will no longer bring it back every four years after a close approach to Earth in 2032, reducing the risk of impact.
- Ongoing efforts, including the upcoming NEO surveyor mission, aim to detect and track hazardous asteroids more efficiently.
- Maintaining vigilance for potentially impact-focused asteroids like 2024 YR4 is crucial for future planetary defense efforts.
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