Scientists have captured an image of a massive asteroid that may soon collide with Earth (photo).

At the end of January, one of the major astronomical news stories was the report that asteroid 2024 YR4, estimated to be 55 meters in size, may collide with Earth at the end of 2032. Currently, the probability of it impacting our planet stands at just 2.3%. Nevertheless, scientists continue to closely monitor the trajectory of this space rock, which is currently traveling towards Earth at nearly 50,000 km/h. Recently, astronomers from NASA captured an image of asteroid 2024 YR4, although the snapshot does not appear as one might expect, according to Space.

Nasa astronomers aim to learn more about asteroid 2024 YR4, which poses a threat to our planet despite the low chances of a collision. According to scientists, if this rock were to strike Earth, it would not cause a planetary-scale disaster, but it could devastate a large metropolis, given its potential size.

The astronomers obtained a photograph of asteroid 2024 YR4, where it appears as a speck of light, using the telescope at the Gemini South Observatory, situated at an altitude of 2,700 meters on the summit of Cerro Pachón in Chile. When the photograph was taken, the asteroid was approximately 60 million km from Earth and 209 million km from the Sun. Scientists noted that capturing an image of the asteroid was challenging, as it reflects very little sunlight and is located far from us. Additionally, observations were hindered by the bright light of the Moon.

Asteroid 2024 YT4 was first discovered in late December 2024 and currently remains one of the most dangerous space objects for Earth. At the same time, astronomers believe that the likelihood of asteroid 2024 YT4 colliding with Earth may decrease in the coming years as its trajectory is studied more accurately.

Scientists state that asteroid 2024 YR4 will be best visible from Earth in 2028, when more precise predictions can be made regarding whether it will collide with Earth in 2032.

In March, astronomers plan to study this space rock using the powerful Webb telescope, which is located 1.5 million km from Earth.