An Asteroid Will Impact the Earth’s Atmosphere

Asteroid to Impact Earth’s Atmosphere—Is There a Danger?

Reports Confirm an Impact on Earth

Here Are the Details

A newly discovered asteroid is about to enter Earth’s atmosphere today as it streaks across the sky over the Philippines.

The asteroid, which will reach speeds of 39,000 miles per hour (63,000 km/h), is expected to enter the atmosphere at 12:45 p.m. ET.

Although the asteroid is only three feet in diameter, it is anticipated to disintegrate in the atmosphere, with the remaining fragments expected to fall into the ocean.

Due to its immense speed, it will shine brightly, transforming into a glowing fireball visible to people in the Philippines at 12:46 a.m. local time.

Asteroid to Impact Earth’s Atmosphere

Asteroid to Impact Earth’s Atmosphere – Photo: ShutterStock

The Catalina Sky Survey, funded by NASA and tasked with tracking near-Earth objects, discovered the asteroid CAQTDL2 on Wednesday morning.

The asteroid was detected eight hours before its impact, marking only the ninth time scientists have accurately predicted an asteroid’s arrival.

Jacqueline Fazekas from the Catalina Sky Survey in Arizona discovered the asteroid and posted images as it approached the atmosphere. Alan Fitzsimmons from Queen’s University in Belfast, Ireland, explained to New Scientist that the asteroid’s impact speed is not unusual.

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No Danger, and It Won’t Cause Damage Upon Ground Impact

Incoming!

A roughly 1 meter asteroid will strike Earth’s atmosphere over the Philippines near Luzon Island at 17:08 UTC today, 4 September.

The object is harmless, but people in the area may see a spectacular fireball!

Discovered this morning by the Catalina Sky Survey,… pic.twitter.com/UjQLbh3fFr

—European Space Agency (@esa) September 4, 2024

Scientists have assured that the asteroid’s small size means it won’t cause damage when it impacts the ground, so there is no need to evacuate the area.

The European Space Agency (ESA) confirmed in a post on X that the asteroid will impact near Luzon Island, adding that «the object is harmless, but people in the area may see a spectacular fireball.»

A 2017 study revealed that only asteroids at least 60 feet in diameter (18 meters) are potentially dangerous if headed toward Earth.

The early detection of this asteroid is rare, as very few have been spotted before entering Earth’s atmosphere, but experts noted that this could signal improvements in detection capabilities.

The ESA added in their post, «This detection is actually great news. It’s a sign of our improved planetary defense capabilities.»

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