It's true that NASA has been actively tracking and providing updates on asteroid 2024 YR4, and the risk assessment has indeed changed significantly. Here's a breakdown of what's been happening:
- Fluctuating Risk:
- Initially, the asteroid's potential impact risk caused considerable concern, with the probability fluctuating as new data was gathered.
- The risk was at one point relatively high, but with more observations, NASA has been able to refine its calculations.
- The most recent updates have shown a significant decrease in the risk of impact.
- Improved Data:
- The changes in risk assessment are primarily due to improved orbital data. As astronomers gather more observations, they can more accurately predict the asteroid's trajectory.
- Therefore, the more data that is gathered the more accurate the predictions become.
- Current Status:
- NASA has significantly lowered the impact risk.
- The likelihood of an impact is now considered very low.
- NASA is continuing to monitor the asteroid.
In essence, the situation highlights the dynamic nature of asteroid tracking. As our ability to observe and calculate improves, our understanding of potential threats becomes more precise.