Scientists track asteroid that has a chance of crashing into Earth in 2032

(CNN) - Scientists are turning to some very powerful technology to track an asteroid that could crash into Earth.

The James Webb telescope, famous for snapping some of the prettiest pictures across the galaxy is taking on a new space case: helping protect the Earth from a potential asteroid strike.

It’s something the world’s space agencies are taking very seriously.

NASA is monitoring Asteroid 2024 YR4. According to science experts, it has an increased chance of impact and now has a 2.3% chance of hitting our planet on Dec. 22, 2032.

2024 YR4 is estimated to be 130-300 feet across. It is roughly the same size as a meteor that exploded over Russia in 2013, injuring about 1,000 people and damaging 3000 buildings.

The asteroid is enough of a concern for astronomers to take humanity’s best above-the-atmosphere tool, the James Webb telescope, in an effort to study the rogue rock.

The Webb telescope has the ability to capture infrared light emitted by the asteroid which can help give clues to its true size and orbit. This can provide more evidence as to whether the comet could collide with Earth.

They’ll have to work quickly, 2024 YR4 will disappear from Earth’s view in a few short months traveling around the sun before reappearing in 2028.