Asteroid Impact and Defense Strategies

The video discusses the discovery and tracking of asteroid 2004 MN4, later named Apophis, and its potential threat to Earth. It explains the challenges in tracking asteroids, including gravitational influences and the Yarkovsky effect. Observations in 2013 ruled out an impact in 2029, but the flyby presents scientific opportunities. The video also covers the newly discovered asteroid 2024 YR4, its potential impact risk, and possible defense strategies, including NASA's previous success with asteroid deflection tests.

What was the initial probability of asteroid 2004 MN4 impacting Earth in 2029?

• 3.5%

• 0.5%

• 1.5%

• 2.7%

Which effect causes a small force on asteroids due to sunlight, altering their trajectory?

• Magnetic field

• Yarkovsky effect

• Gravitational pull

• Solar wind

In which year is asteroid 2004 MN4 expected to make a close approach to Earth?

• 2036

• 2032

• 2029

• 2025

What is the primary goal of NASA's mission to intercept asteroid 2004 MN4?

• To destroy the asteroid

• To mine resources from the asteroid

• To redirect the asteroid's path

• To collect data for planetary defense

What is the estimated size of asteroid 2024 YR4?

• 200 meters

• 150 meters

• 100 meters

• 50 meters

On the Torino scale, what rating was initially given to asteroid 2024 YR4?

• 2

• 4

• 1

• 3

What is the potential impact of asteroid 2024 YR4 if it were to strike Earth?

• Extinction-level event

• Global catastrophe

• Local destruction

• No impact

What historical event is the potential impact of asteroid 2024 YR4 compared to?

• K-T extinction

• Tunguska event

• Chicxulub impact

• Vredefort impact

What is the current probability of asteroid 2024 YR4 impacting Earth in 2032?

• 3.3%

• 4.3%

• 1.3%

• 2.3%

What strategy might be considered if asteroid 2024 YR4 poses a significant threat?

• Sending a spacecraft to land on it

• Building a shield around Earth

• Ignoring it as a non-threat

• Using a nuclear weapon to deflect it