"Hopefully GTA 6 launches first": Internet in splits as NASA reports a 2.3% chance of an asteroid hitting Earth in 2032

NASA recently announced the discovery of a new asteroid with more than a 1% chance of impacting Earth in December 2032. Now, astronomers have revised this estimate, increasing the collision probability to 2.3%.

The discovery has sparked global planetary defense initiatives, experts believe further observations may reduce the probability of impact to zero.

Of course, if Hollywood has taught us anything, it is that this is the perfect setup for a team of ragtag astronauts, led by a grizzled veteran, to launch into space and heroically blow the thing to bits - preferably with dramatic slow-motion explosions.

But before we start training oil drillers for a deep-space mission, scientists assure us there's a good chance this asteroid will end up being just another cosmic scare.

As soon as the news came out someone (@Mr_Joe_Gamer) took to his X account and commented:

"Well hopefully gta 6 launches first"

The comment shot off in seconds, striking a chord in the hearts of many fans who have been waiting for so long for GTA 6. All this for what? For the asteroid to land uninvited if we're not allowed to explore Rockstar's latest open-world first?

While scientists seem to crunch the numbers on probabilities of impact, hopefully, the universe throws us at least enough time to pull off one final virtual heist before something cosmic comes crashing through the party. At the very least, it's a reminder that even in the face of astronomical uncertainty, humans will still find some form of entertainment for their priorities.

As the news began to spread, the internet did what it does best: it turned a potentially global catastrophe into a comedy special. Memes flooded in; some thought that NASA should hire Rockstar Games' developers because they apparently knew how to delay things indefinitely.

Doomsday humor being at its peak, fans were not left behind to waste a moment to express their reactions to this existential threat: the best defense is indeed a good joke. Let us walk you through how the masses reacted!

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Netizens have reacted as NASA reports a 2.3% chance of an asteroid hitting Earth in 2032

A user (@CherryGarden) commented:

"Sooo I have been seeing these "NASA claims a asteroid has this and that chance of hitting earth" basically through our growing up and it's wild to me to see people still react to these like it's some crazy new thing"

Another one (@Clips_ETH) commented:

"Slightly higher chance of total annihilation, pack an umbrella guys"

A netizen (@abcDroid_) expressed:

"As long as we play GTA6 or Skate I don’t care"

Another user (@TeslaTrillion) commented:

"gosh, Elon already got enough problems to deal with!"

A user (@omarhustla) hilariously wrote:

"nice so Kanyes rants increased the chances by .4% smh"

Another user (@3ternalhatred) sarcastically commented:

"if it hit we finna be the next dinosaurs"

A netizen (@Vile35tv) wrote:

"sometimes I think this planet needs a factory reset."

A user (@Fell_A_God) sarcastically asked:

"Is it the same percent chance as climate change destroying the planet since 1950?"

At the end of it all, whether this asteroid will be just another near miss or become a real-life game-over scenario, one thing is sure - it will meme out. Scientists will continue to analyze data from it, planetary defense experts will remain on high alert, and fans will continue debating which will come first: GTA 6 or the apocalypse.

If it does pass us by, we will all laugh about it and move on to the next existential crisis. And if it doesn't? At least we will have some good jokes on the way out.

Keep reading SoapCentral for more humorous content!