A massive asteroid measuring approximately 70 cm in diameter crashed over Yakutia, Russia on December 3, 2024. The object was detected just 12 hours prior to impact and created a dazzling fireball that was witnessed by numerous residents in the region.
Scientists from various global observatories predicted the asteroid’s impact with remarkable precision, estimating the time of entry to within +/- 10 seconds. As it entered the Earth’s atmosphere, the asteroid disintegrated into multiple fragments, likely scattering small rocks across a remote forested area.
Fortunately, due to its size and location, no injuries or significant damage were reported. However, this event highlights the ongoing need for vigilance in monitoring celestial objects and emphasizes the importance of planetary defense initiatives to safeguard against larger threats.
This incident is not an isolated occurrence; it’s part of a trend of increased asteroid detection technology that has led to several imminent impactors being discovered in 2024. The Chelyabinsk meteor incident, which caused injuries and damage despite its relatively small size, remains a historical reference point for the importance of monitoring near-Earth objects (NEOs).
Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/asteroid-collides-with-earth-explodes-above-russia-video-surfaces-2644493-2024-12-03