A small asteroid made headlines earlier this week as it passed close to Earth, particularly over northern Siberia. The European Space Agency alerted the public on Tuesday, stating that the 27-inch asteroid, temporarily named C0WEPC5, was on a collision course. This event marked the first of two anticipated asteroid fly-bys for the week.
At around 4:27 a.m. ET, the agency indicated there would be a visible fireball as the asteroid entered Earth’s atmosphere, creating a striking display without posing any harm to the planet. C0WEPC5 is noted as the fourth asteroid impact detected this year and the eleventh ever recorded. Classified as an “imminent impactor” by the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona, the asteroid was identified before its arrival, showcasing advancements in our ability to monitor such celestial events.
As the asteroid entered the atmosphere at approximately 11:15 a.m. ET over Yakutia, northeastern Siberia, witnesses reported seeing a substantial fireball streak across the sky. Videos shared on social media captured the moment, displaying the rapid motion of the bright object before it dissipated. It remains uncertain if any fragments from the asteroid made it to the ground.
Asteroid fly-bys are becoming increasingly common, with technology improvements aiding astronomers in their detection efforts. As of October 2023, NASA noted that 132 asteroids have flown closer to Earth than the moon during that period, contributing to a total of over 36,000 fly-bys recorded.
In addition to the excitement caused by C0WEPC5, another sizable asteroid, identified as 2020 XR, is scheduled to pass by Earth at 12:27 a.m. ET on Wednesday. Measuring around 1,200 feet in diameter—akin to the Empire State Building—2020 XR will safely glide past Earth at a distance of 1.37 million miles. This asteroid is not considered a threat, although NASA categorizes any object coming within 4.6 million miles of Earth as “potentially hazardous.”
In a positive light, these occurrences illustrate the impressive capabilities of modern astronomy and the ongoing efforts to better understand and track near-Earth objects. As technology continues to advance, our growing ability to detect and monitor asteroids enhances planetary protection and public safety.
Overall, it’s reassuring to know that while these cosmic events can appear alarming, they are well monitored, demonstrating humanity’s resilience and preparedness in facing celestial challenges.