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Scientists are monitoring an asteroid that has a chance -- albeit small -- of hitting Earth.
科学家们正在监测一颗有可能撞击地球的小行星--尽管可能性很小。
But there's no need to panic -- at least not just yet.
但没有必要恐慌--至少现在还不必。
'Asteroid 2024 YR4' has an almost 99% chance of safely passing Earth on December 22, 2032.
这颗名为“2024 YR4”的小行星，在2032年12月22日安全划过地球的几率为近99%。
It is currently moving away from the planet but will return in 2028.
它目前正在远离地球，但将于2028年再次接近地球。
And a possible impact cannot yet be entirely ruled out.
目前还不能完全排除可能的影响。
That's why, since it was first identified as at threat in December of last year, it's being closely monitored by the European Space Agency.
这就是为什么自去年12月它首次被发现有威胁以来，一直受到欧洲航天局的密切监视。
Although the density and make up of the asteroid is not yet known, it's estimated to be travelling at around 15 times the speed of a high velocity bullet.
虽然这颗小行星的密度和组成尚不清楚，但据估计，它的飞行速度大约是高速子弹的15倍。
As of January 29, the European Space Agency estimates the probability that the asteroid will hit Earth on 22 December 2032 to be 1.2%.
截至1月29日，欧洲航天局估计这颗小行星在2032年12月22日撞击地球的概率为1.2%。
Scientists are set to meet to discuss Earth's response if the asteroid's impact probability remains above the 1% threshold, which could include crashing a spacecraft into it to deflect it off course.
科学家们将召开会议，讨论如果这颗小行星撞击地球的概率仍然高于1%的阈值，地球将如何应对，其中可能包括用航天器撞击它，使其偏离轨道。
