Asteroid Hitting Eart: Astronomers identified a small asteroid, labeled C0WEPC5, only 12 hours before it entered Earth’s atmosphere and exploded over Siberia.
This asteroid, roughly 70 centimeters (27 inches) in size, was detected by NASA’s Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) shortly before its impact on December 3, 2024, at approximately 9:45 PM IST.
The European Space Agency (ESA) assured that the asteroid presented no danger to Earth, as it would disintegrate safely upon entering the atmosphere, producing a brilliant fireball visible from the ground. Residents in Yakutia, a region in Russia, described an awe-inspiring light display as the asteroid broke apart in the sky.
C0WEPC5 stands out as the fourth “imminent impactor” identified in 2024 and the 11th recorded since tracking efforts began.
The term “imminent impactor” is used for asteroids discovered only hours before their expected collision with Earth. The identification of C0WEPC5 underscores the progress made in global asteroid monitoring systems, which strive to deliver timely alerts for potential Earth impacts.
“Asteroids, much like stars, are only visible at night. The Sun’s glare conceals countless asteroids whose trajectories remain undetected, and any one of them could be on a collision course with Earth without us realizing it,” the ESA stated.
NASA and ESA continue to improve their ability to monitor near-Earth objects, a vital component of planetary defense.
The detection of C0WEPC5 highlights the efficiency of these systems, showcasing their capability to pinpoint approaching asteroids with exceptional accuracy. Richard Moissl of ESA praised the performance of their alert system, noting that it predicted the asteroid’s impact within a margin of just ten seconds.
Europe’s upcoming Flyeye telescope network is designed to scan the skies for potentially hazardous asteroids, automatically identifying and alerting researchers to any that pose a threat.
Inspired by the compound eyes of flies, these innovative telescopes divide each captured image into 16 smaller sub-images. This approach significantly expands their field of view, allowing for broader and more effective sky observation.
Positioning telescopes in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres allows for a complete scan of the entire sky within 48 hours.
As humanity advances its exploration of the solar system, incidents like these highlight the ever-changing nature of space and underscore the critical need for constant monitoring of celestial objects that could potentially threaten Earth in the future.
What are Asteroids?
Asteroids are tiny, rocky objects that orbit the sun, often referred to as “minor planets.” The majority of these space rocks are found in the main asteroid belt, a vast region between Mars and Jupiter. This belt stretches from about 2.1 AU (195 million miles or 315 million kilometers) to 3.2 AU (300 million miles or 480 million kilometers) away from the sun.
According to NASA, over 1 million asteroids have been identified so far. These space rocks come in all sorts of irregular shapes and vary greatly in size—from as small as 33 feet (10 meters) in radius to enormous bodies like Vesta, the largest known asteroid, with a radius of 329 miles (530 kilometers). By observing changes in their brightness, scientists have discovered that many asteroids spin, with rotation periods ranging from three to 30 days.
Asteroid Hitting Earth : Upcoming Near Earth Asteroids
Four Asteroids Set to Pass Safely by Earth
NASA has flagged four asteroids approaching Earth, each varying in size and distance. First up is Asteroid 2024 GA, about 38 feet wide—roughly the size of a bus. It will safely fly by at a distance of 981,000 miles.
Next is Asteroid 2024 GF, slightly larger at 43 feet, comparable to a small house. It will pass by at a distance of 1.06 million miles.
The third on the list is Asteroid 2024 FD, also bus-sized at 38 feet wide, coming within 1.34 million miles of Earth.
Lastly, Asteroid 2024 GG measures 48 feet wide, about the size of a house. This one will pass Earth at a much greater distance of 3.58 million miles.
While these flybys might sound close, they’re entirely safe, showcasing NASA’s diligence in monitoring near-Earth objects to keep our planet protected.
FAQs
1. Is an asteroid going to hit Earth in 2024?
No, there are no confirmed asteroid impacts expected on Earth in 2024. NASA and other space agencies continuously monitor near-Earth objects (NEOs) to predict potential threats, and no significant risks have been identified for this year.
2. Will an asteroid hit Earth in 2027?
As of now, there are no known asteroids predicted to hit Earth in 2027. Scientists keep a close watch on NEOs, and any potential collision risks will likely be detected and publicized well in advance.
3. Which asteroid will hit Earth in 2025?
There is currently no evidence or prediction of an asteroid hitting Earth in 2025. The most closely monitored asteroids pose minimal or no threat due to their distance and trajectory.
4. Which asteroid killed the dinosaurs?
The asteroid that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs approximately 66 million years ago is believed to have been about 10 kilometers (6 miles) in diameter. It struck near what is now the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, forming the Chicxulub Crater. The impact led to massive climate changes and the extinction of many species.
5. What will happen in the 2030 asteroid event?
There is no confirmed asteroid event predicted for 2030. While scientists continuously track thousands of NEOs, no significant collision risk for 2030 has been identified. However, ongoing monitoring ensures any potential risks are addressed early.