Today, December 3, a small asteroid was identified as being on a collision course with Earth. Measuring approximately 27 inches (70 centimeters) in diameter, this asteroid, designated C0WEPC5, was spotted by astronomers at the Kitt Peak National Observatory near Tucson, Arizona. Experts predict that it will enter Earth’s atmosphere around 11:15 a.m. ET (1615 GMT).
Fortunately, this space rock poses no threat to Earth, as it is expected to disintegrate upon entering the atmosphere, creating a spectacular fireball that will be visible over northern Siberia. The European Space Agency confirmed the harmless nature of the asteroid via social media.
C0WEPC5 is notable for being the fourth “imminent impactor” identified this year, indicating that it was discovered shortly before its anticipated touchdown. Overall, it marks only the 11th confirmed imminent impactor ever detected, with the possibility of a 12th yet to be confirmed by scientists like physicist Richard Moissl.
This year has already seen three similar imminent impactors. Earlier, asteroid 2024 UQ was identified by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) just two hours before it entered over the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii. Additionally, the first imminent impactor of the year, a 3.3-feet-wide asteroid, harmlessly disintegrated over Berlin in January, while another exploded over the Philippines in September, creating a dazzling display captured in videos shared widely online.
To safeguard against potential dangers from space, various space agencies operate networks of sensors to monitor incoming objects like C0WEPC5. Programs such as the ATLAS survey and the Catalina Sky Survey contribute to this effort, while NASA is developing a new infrared telescope called NEO Surveyor to enhance the search for potentially hazardous near-Earth objects.
These advancements highlight the growing emphasis on planetary defense and the importance of monitoring celestial bodies, ensuring a safe and informed approach to potential threats from space.
Overall, today’s asteroid event shines a light on the effectiveness of global space monitoring systems, offering reassurance in our ability to anticipate and respond to cosmic occurrences.