Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What do you know about asteroids?
- What would you do if you heard that an asteroid might hit Earth?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- concern /kuhn-SURN/
- formation /fawr-MEY-shuhn/
- assess /uh-SES/
- computational /kaam-pyoo-TAY-shuh-nuhl/
- velocity /vuh-LOS-i-tee/
[noun] – a feeling of worry or nervousness about something
The teacher expressed concern about the students’ safety during the trip.
[noun] – the process of creating or developing something
The Grand Canyon holds evidence of the Earth’s formation, revealing layers of rock that date back millions of years.
[verb] – to evaluate, analyze, or determine the nature, importance, or level of something
Engineers must assess the strength of a bridge to ensure it is safe for heavy vehicles.
[adjective] – related to using computers to process information
The scientist used computational models to predict the weather.
[noun] – the speed of something in a certain direction
The car increased its velocity as it moved down the hill.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
A newly identified asteroid, 2024 YR4, has raised concerns due to a 2% chance of impacting Earth in 2032. Detected in December 2024 by a Chilean telescope, it measures 40 to 90 meters in diameter. NASA and ESA will study it further in March using the Webb Space Telescope before it becomes unobservable. The impact risk may change as experts refine its trajectory, likely reducing concerns. Originating from the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, such asteroids are remnants of the solar system’s formation and can be displaced by gravitational forces. Scientists emphasize the importance of continuous monitoring to assess potential threats accurately.
Determining the precise path of 2024 YR4 requires continuous monitoring and advanced computational models. Astronomers track its movement over time, integrating gravitational influences from planetary bodies to enhance accuracy. If an impact were to occur, the severity would depend on the asteroid’s size and velocity. NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) in 2022 demonstrated the feasibility of altering an asteroid’s course by direct collision. Future planetary defense strategies may be explored if the probability of impact remains significant.
Determining the precise path of 2024 YR4 requires continuous monitoring and advanced computational models. Astronomers track its movement over time, integrating gravitational influences from planetary bodies to enhance accuracy. If an impact were to occur, the severity would depend on the asteroid’s size and velocity. NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) in 2022 demonstrated the feasibility of altering an asteroid’s course by direct collision. Future planetary defense strategies may be explored if the probability of impact remains significant.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Why are scientists concerned about asteroid 2024 YR4?
- Where was the asteroid first detected?
- How big is asteroid 2024 YR4?
- What will NASA and ESA do in March?
- Where do most asteroids in the solar system come from?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever read or watched something about asteroids? If so, what did you learn from it? If not, would you like to learn more about asteroids? Why?
- Have you ever seen a meteor shower in the sky? If so, how did it look? If not, would you like to see one? Why?
- Do you agree that space agencies should spend more money on asteroid research?
- Why do you think studying asteroids is important for the future?
- How do you think people can prepare for a possible asteroid impact?