Heads up! A small asteroid, roughly 1 meter (3 feet) wide, is set to enter Earth’s atmosphere today, September 4, 2024. According to the European Space Agency, this event will occur over the Philippines around 16:46 UTC, which translates to 12:46 a.m. on September 5 in the Philippines, and 11:46 a.m. CDT on September 4 in North America. The asteroid is expected to burn up upon entry, creating a bright fireball visible in the skies above Luzon. If you’re in the Philippines, it’s a great opportunity to step outside and catch this dazzling cosmic display.
Small asteroid to hit Earth’s atmosphere today via /r/hackernews https://t.co/VCL2zhpKe4
— Willem (@willem_74) September 4, 2024
This marks only the ninth instance of an asteroid being detected before impacting Earth. The asteroid, provisionally named CAQTDL2, was discovered just hours ago by Jacqueline Fazekas of the Catalina Sky Survey in Arizona. Remarkably, Fazekas identified the object only about eight hours before its predicted impact, showcasing the advancements in our ability to detect these small, near-Earth objects.
While the idea of an asteroid entering Earth’s atmosphere might sound alarming, the discovery is actually a positive development in planetary defense. Improved detection capabilities mean that scientists and observatories are becoming more adept at identifying potentially hazardous objects before they reach us. This particular asteroid is expected to disintegrate in the atmosphere, posing no threat to people or property, but providing a spectacular light show for anyone watching.
‼️UPDATE – NASA and ESA’s near-Earth object study teams predict that a very small (~1 meter) asteroid will harmlessly impact Earth’s atmosphere in a few hours at ~12:40pm EDT (~16:40 UTC) and create a fireball off the east coast of the northern Philippines.
🔗 NASA pic.twitter.com/Drn1Y0unqD
— Jazzy (@JazzyBellBray) September 4, 2024
The International Meteor Organization highlighted the significance of such events, noting that while this will primarily result in a bright fireball, it could also offer a chance for meteorite recoveries. These occurrences, although dramatic, provide valuable scientific data and an opportunity to study the composition of asteroids.
If you happen to witness or capture footage of this event, you are encouraged to share your observations with the International Meteor Organization to contribute to ongoing research and documentation of meteor events.
Key Points:
i. A small asteroid, about 1 meter wide, will enter Earth’s atmosphere over the Philippines today, September 4, 2024, around 16:46 UTC.
ii. The asteroid, named CAQTDL2, was discovered just eight hours before its predicted impact by Jacqueline Fazekas of the Catalina Sky Survey.
iii. This is the ninth time an asteroid has been detected before striking Earth, highlighting advancements in asteroid detection.
iv. The asteroid is expected to create a bright fireball as it burns up in the atmosphere, visible in the skies over Luzon.
v. Observers are encouraged to share any footage or observations with the International Meteor Organization to aid in scientific research
Lap Fu Ip – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
