“It was nice knowing y’all”: Internet reacts humorously as NASA predicts 2032 asteroid impact

NASA seems to be constantly keeping us on our toes about asteroids. One almost always seems to hear of some celestial rock that has chosen to make an unexpected detour toward the Earth. This time, it is Asteroid 2024 YR4, whose headline-grabbing power lies in its possible strike on Earth in 2032.

Meanwhile, social media is having a blast with NASA's asteroid warnings. One X user (@FatherPhi) humorously stated:

"It was nice knowing yall."

A user added: "They are always saying things like this but it never happens."

A user joked: "he’s not bigger than my biggest toy, TRUST ME on this one😌"

A user mentioned: "I swear every year there's a report of a large asteroid hitting the Earth but then nothing ever happens 😒"

Another comment read: "As long as it doesn’t hit my house am good."

A user declared: "Well let’s get working on a plan, I don’t think Bruce Willis is available this time around!"

Meanwhile, a user thinks: "Honestly at this point, we deserve it."

---

The asteroid that could (maybe) hit us

Now, before you begin hoarding canned goods and digging a bunker, let's break it down.

Asteroid 2024 YR4 is no small fry. The asteroid measures between 40 and 100 meters across and is also described as about the size of a giant space bowling ball.

NASA has estimated there is roughly a 1.3% to 1.6% chance it will hit us on December 22, 2032. Sure, that may seem low, but enough to get some of the scientists buzzing.

---

Why all the fuss?

You might wonder why NASA is always sounding the alarm about asteroids. Remember the Chelyabinsk meteor?

In 2013, a smaller asteroid exploded over Russia with the force of 440 kilotons of TNT, causing injuries and damage galore. That event was a wake-up call, showing just how unprepared we can be for these cosmic visitors.

Since then, NASA has ramped up its efforts to track these near-Earth objects (NEOs).

---

Keeping an eye on the sky

NASA isn't just sitting back waiting for the asteroid to impact Earth; they have some real monitoring systems set up. Among these is their Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System, or ATLAS, one of their principal tools designed to detect smaller asteroids before they enter our atmosphere.

ATLAS's telescopes cover Hawaii and many other locations that can give the heads-up when the asteroid would hit Earth - days or even weeks in advance.

And it's not only NASA engaged in this battle.

The International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) unifies international experts for coordinated and data-exchanged responses on matters of potential threats.

It's sort of a planetary Avengers team.

---

What in the world happens if it strikes?

(Image via Pinterest/cmfcanvashops)

If 2024 YR4 were to collide with Earth, the consequences could be dramatic.

A direct hit could level cities and cause environmental chaos. However, we’re not completely defenseless—NASA is working on strategies to deflect asteroids if one ever gets too close for comfort.