NASA has identified an asteroid named 2024 YR4 that has a 3.1% (or 1 in 32) chance of colliding with Earth on December 22, 2032. This is the highest probability ever recorded for a potential asteroid impact. What Does This Mean for Earth? The possibility of a city-killer asteroid like 2024 YR4 impacting Earth—even at a 3.1% chance—is a serious reminder of how vulnerable we are to cosmic events. While the probability may decrease with more observations, the fact that this is the highest-ever recorded impact risk means global space agencies must take action now. If an asteroid of this size were to hit a populated area, it could: • Flatten a city with an explosion equivalent to several megatons of TNT. • Cause mass casualties depending on impact location. • Trigger tsunamis if it lands in the ocean. • Disrupt the economy, affecting infrastructure, supply chains, and global markets. While a dinosaur-level extinction event isn’t likely, city-killers prove why we need planetary defense strategies. What Can People Do? For the average person, asteroid defense may seem out of reach, but public awareness and action can push governments and space agencies to take it more seriously.