The odds that asteroid 2024 YR4 could hit Earth in 2032 recently spiked from a little more than 1% to 2.3%, but astronomers say not to fret.

The threat of a newly discovered asteroid has risen slightly in the past few weeks, as the world’s telescopes rush to track its course. But the chance of an impact is still quite slim. New calculations suggest there's a 2% chance the space rock 2024 YR4 will smack Earth in 2032.

Astronomers worldwide are monitoring Asteroid 2024 YR4, which has a 2% chance of hitting Earth on December 22, 2032. While the probability is low, the asteroid’s size and trajectory were enough to trigger an international warning system for planetary defence.