NASA asteroid hitting Earth

Watch Out, Earth: An Asteroid's Got Plans for Christmas 2032!

Astronomers eye a potential asteroid collision, but the chances are slimmer than your average Kiwi's summer sunburn. Don't freak out just yet!

We’re not kidding – there’s a giant rock zooming around in space that’s caught NASA’s attention, and it might just plan to crash Earth’s holiday parties in 2032! The asteroid, known as 2024 YR4, is about the size of a football field, meaning it could pack quite a punch if it doesn’t take a detour. While the asteroid is currently cruising at a modest distance, recent calculations show that the odds of it hitting Earth have increased from a breezy 1% to (gasp!) 2.3%. Sure, that number is still super low, but let’s be honest, it has us imagining a Christmas dinner where some asteroids and good ol' roast lamb go toe-to-toe.

But fear not, fellow Kiwis! NASA assures us that despite the increasing odds, the chances of impact are still considered “extremely low.” The scientists are keeping their watchful eyes on this space rock as they study its trajectory with the precision of your best mate’s aim when tossing out a line on a fishing trip. They’re hoping for a solid outcome when these calculations get updated because no one wants to find their Christmas presents vaporized, right?

We can encourage our experts to focus on everything from space exploration to predicting the weather, but let’s also acknowledge the comical scale of this situation. Closer to home, we’ve got a little over seven years to reassess our plans for the 2032 festive season, whether it includes a great Kiwi BBQ or stocking up on extra cupcakes. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to research some asteroid safety tips? (Spoiler alert: diving under the dinner table just doesn't cut it.)

As we navigate the excitement — and slight sense of dread — from the space scene, let’s remember to keep our feet (and heads) firmly planted on Earth. Specifically, let’s focus on how our aeronautical friends have previous experiences dodging potential collision events, often evolving into 'not-so-certain' outcomes.

Did you know that many asteroids have been observed to make a near-miss without even breaking a sweat? That’s like planning a BBQ with your mates only for them to not show up after all! And while 2024 YR4 is currently the talk of the stars, history has shown us that many cosmic threats shift direction more than that one friend who can't decide on what to order from the takeaway menu. So stay tuned, keep that Christmas spirit alive, and let’s leave worrying about asteroids to the experts while we enjoy life in our glorious Kiwi paradise!