A colossal explosion in the sky, unleashing energy hundreds of times greater than the Hiroshima bomb. A blinding flash nearly as bright as the Sun. Shockwaves are powerful enough to flatten everything for miles.

The massive space rock with the risk of hitting Earth's surface within the next seven years has kept scientists on their toes.

A 100-metre-wide asteroid hurtling towards Earth has triggered a global defence plan after it was discovered the space rock could hit our home planet in 2032. The asteroid, named Asteroid 2024 YR4, has a 1.

Astronomers believe that YR4 may approach Earth within 66,000 miles. However, given the unpredictability of orbits, NASA says it could be a direct hit. According to the network's estimates, impact locations include the eastern Pacific, northern South America, Africa, and south Asia, reports Metro .

Experts are tracking asteroid 2024 YR4, which has a 1.2% chance of impacting Earth in 2032. Observations continue to refine its path.

Rock wider than football pitch could have devastating impact if it hits our planet – which, according to Nasa scientists, is possible