A small asteroid made its presence known in northern Siberia on Tuesday as it approached Earth. This event marked the first of two anticipated flybys within the week.
The European Space Agency sounded an alarm regarding the asteroid, which measures 27 inches in diameter, at 4:27 a.m. ET. The agency reported that while the asteroid would produce a visible fireball upon entry, it posed no threat to humanity, stating that “the impact will be harmless.”
The asteroid, temporarily dubbed C0WEPC5, is notable as Earth’s fourth detected asteroid strike of the year and only the 11th recorded in history. According to Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona, these are classified as “imminent impactors.”
This celestial body entered Earth’s atmosphere over Yakutia in northeastern Siberia at 11:15 a.m. ET, generating a spectacular fireball witnessed by local residents. Social media was abuzz with videos depicting the bright and swift blaze streaking across the sky before disappearing.
At this time, it remains unclear whether any pieces of the asteroid reached the ground. The frequency of flyby asteroids has risen significantly, aided by technological advancements in detection methods. NASA notes that since October 2023, 132 known asteroids have traversed closer to Earth than the moon.
In total, there have been over 36,000 recorded asteroid flybys. To add to the excitement of this week, another asteroid, identified as 2020 XR, is expected to pass by Earth at 12:27 a.m. ET on Wednesday. This asteroid is substantially larger, approximately 1,200 feet in diameter—similar in height to New York City’s Empire State Building—but will be a safe distance away at 1.37 million miles. While labeled as “potentially hazardous” due to its proximity, officials emphasize that it poses no danger.
This remarkable encounter with asteroids serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of our solar system and highlights the advances in technology that allow us to monitor and understand these celestial bodies more effectively. Each flyby offers an opportunity for scientists to collect data that could be crucial for planetary defense measures in the future.
In summary, while Tuesday’s asteroid sighting may not hold immediate threats, it underscores the importance of continued vigilance and the exciting advancements in the field of astronomy.