The European Space Agency says a recently discovered asteroid has a 2.2 percent chance of hitting Earth in 2032.

The ESA says the "2024 YR4" asteroid was discovered on December 27 last year. It is estimated to be about 40 to 90 meters wide.

Astronomers have been carrying out follow-up observations. They say there is a 2.2 percent chance of the asteroid making impact with Earth on December 22, 2032.

The ESA tracks more than 1,700 asteroids that may approach Earth. The 2024 YR4 asteroid is currently at the top of its risk list. The agency says an asteroid of this size impacts Earth on average every few thousand years and could cause severe damage to a local region.

The ESA says long-term observation of asteroids helps astronomers understand their trajectories and in many cases rule out any chance of impact.

Various countries have been studying possible defense measures against an asteroid strike. In 2022, US space agency NASA conducted a test in which a spacecraft was used to strike an asteroid and alter its orbit.