Asteroids are rocky objects that orbit the sun, and although the vast majority of asteroids are harmless, there are often close shaves with our planet. Live Science is here to put asteroid threats into perspective and answer all of your asteroid-related questions, from whether an asteroid could destroy Earth to why asteroids and comets are such weird shapes.
Whether it’s the fastest-orbiting asteroid in our solar system, a 600-foot asteroid detected near Earth or NASA proving humanity can deflect killer asteroids with rockets, our expert writers and editors are on point to separate the potentially hazardous from the mostly harmless. So, for everything you need to know about the sizeable stones that share our solar system check out the latest asteroid news, features and articles.
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Latest about Asteroids
'That's Zero Folks!': Asteroid 2024 YR4 is no longer a hazard
The likelihood of asteroid 2024 YR4 hitting Earth in 2032 rose and fell last week. NASA's impact odds are now so slim that the asteroid is no longer a hazard on the Torino asteroid scale.
'Just the tip of the iceberg': Why risky asteroids like 2024 YR4 will pester Earth for decades to come
The world is watching as NASA tweaks the odds that asteroid 2024 YR4 will hit Earth. But how threatening is YR4, and how does it compare to other potentially hazardous space rocks?
Asteroid YR4 impact odds plummet as NASA changes threat level of 'city-killer'
NASA has been changing the odds of asteroid 2024 YR4 hitting Earth in recent days, but the latest shift significantly downgrades the asteroid's threat level and makes a moon strike more likely.
NASA just changed the odds of asteroid YR4 hitting Earth in 2032 yet again
NASA increased the chances of asteroid 2024 YR4 hitting Earth to 1 in 32, or 3.1%, on Tuesday, but they're now back down to 1 in 67, or 1.5%.
Chance of 'city-killer' asteroid 2024 YR4 smashing into Earth rises yet again to 3.1%, NASA reports
NASA has increased the chances of asteroid 2024 YR4 hitting Earth in 2032 to 1 in 32, or 3.1%, up from 1 in 42 as reported in previous calculations.
Potentially hazardous asteroids: How many dangerous space rocks lurk near Earth — and can we stop them?
Here's everything you need to know about the potentially hazardous asteroids that come worryingly close to our planet.
In emergency decision, James Webb telescope will study 'city-killer' asteroid 2024 YR4 before its close approach to Earth
In a rare "time-critical" decision, the James Webb Space Telescope will study the true size of the "potentially hazardous" asteroid 2024 YR4 twice over the next few months. The asteroid has a roughly 2.3% chance of impacting Earth in 2032.
Watch potential 'city-killer' asteroid 2024 YR4 as it hurtles through space
Asteroid 2024 YR4 has a tiny chance of hitting Earth in 2032, but for now, you can watch it fly harmlessly through space in a short time-lapse video captured by the NASA-funded ATLAS telescope.
'City-killer' asteroid has a 1-in-43 chance of smashing into Earth in 2032, NASA says
A space rock dubbed 2024 YR4 has a roughly 2.3% chance of smashing into our planet, NASA scientists announced.
Enormous, mountain-size asteroid will be visible from Earth this weekend in rare 'once in a decade' event
The enormous near-Earth asteroid (887) Alinda has made its closest approach to our planet in decades, and it's about to peak in brightness in a rare once-in-a-decade event. Here's how to watch it live this weekend.
