The asteroid 2024 RW1 safely disintegrated in the Earth’s atmosphere above the Philippines, creating a bright “fireball” flash, as reported by NASA.
Astronomers in Arizona spotted the 1-meter-wide asteroid before it broke apart above the western Pacific Ocean near Luzon Island. The European Space Agency noted that this is only the ninth time an asteroid has been seen before impact, although similar-sized asteroids approach Earth every two weeks without causing harm.
NASA’s forecast of a visible “fireball” led to people sharing images on social media, and the event was confirmed by sensors from NASA’s Planetary Defense Coordination Office. The asteroid, discovered through the Catalina Sky Survey, was expected to hit the atmosphere at a speed of over 63,000 km per hour.
Despite the Hollywood portrayal of asteroid impacts, experts like Professor Alan Fitzsimmons emphasize the lack of time to react to such events. The ESA assures that while some large asteroids exist, they have been identified and do not pose a threat to Earth.
Overall, the event showcases the importance of monitoring near-Earth objects and the scientific community’s efforts to understand these phenomena.
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