A small asteroid made headlines this week as it approached Earth, lighting up the sky over northern Siberia. The European Space Agency notified the public early Tuesday about the 27-inch asteroid, identified as C0WEPC5, which was expected to create a spectacular fireball upon entry into Earth’s atmosphere. Fortunately, experts indicated that the event would pose no danger.
This asteroid marked the fourth detected impact this year and the 11th on record. Termed “imminent impactors” by the Kitt Peak National Observatory, these types of asteroids are monitored closely, and advances in detection technologies have made it easier for astronomers to spot them.
The asteroid entered the atmosphere around 11:15 a.m. ET, creating a dazzling fireball that was observed by residents in Yakutia, northeastern Siberia. Social media videos captured this striking event as the bright object raced across the sky before vanishing.
Currently, it’s still unclear whether any fragments of the asteroid reached the Earth’s surface. Astronomers point out that fly-bys like these are a routine occurrence. Since October 2023, NASA has tracked 132 known asteroids passing closer to Earth than the Moon, adding to a total of over 36,000 asteroid fly-bys recorded.
This week also features another asteroid, designated 2020 XR, which is set to pass by Earth on Wednesday at 12:27 a.m. ET. This larger asteroid, about 1,200 feet wide, resembles the height of New York City’s Empire State Building but will pass at a safe distance of 1.37 million miles. Experts have reassured the public that while classified as “potentially hazardous” if it comes within 4.6 million miles, 2020 XR poses no threat.
In summary, while the sighting of these asteroids might initially seem alarming, it highlights the impressive advancements in our ability to monitor space objects and ensure public safety. These events offer an exciting glimpse into our solar system while emphasizing the ongoing improvements in astronomy. As technology continues to evolve, our understanding of and readiness for such celestial occurrences will only enhance, fostering a sense of security and wonder about the universe we inhabit.