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The asteroid, designated 2004 MN4, has had its Torino Impact Hazard Rating raised from two to four. Such a rating applies to a close encounter, with 1% or greater chance of a collision capable of causing regional devastation.
Dr Alan Fitzsimmons of Queen�s University Belfast advised the NEO Information Centre that the object would remain observable until summer 2005 and will be observable on many more occasions before the potential impact date. This will allow scientists a good window of opportunity to continue observations and refine their understanding of the asteroid�s orbit.
The Italy based NEODyS, who monitor the risk from newly discovered asteroids and comets, say, "Most likely, that is in 59 cases out of 60, the impact probability will go to zero after enough new observations have been obtained and processed."
More info: NEODyS
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