A newly discovered asteroid, designated COWECP5, is on a collision course with Earth and is expected to enter the planet’s atmosphere over Eastern Siberia at 11:14am ET. The small space rock, measuring 27 inches in diameter, is predicted to burn up in the atmosphere and poses no threat to humans on the ground. The asteroid was detected by NASA’s Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System, which provides scientists with up to a week’s notice of impending asteroids. The detection marks the 12th time scientists have accurately reported an asteroid before it struck, and the fourth asteroid to hit Earth’s atmosphere this year.
The asteroid was also spotted by NASA-funded Kitt Peak National Observatory, which used its Aegis system to calculate the asteroid’s “impact corridor.” The Aegis system, which is used by the US Navy to identify air and surface threats, is considered the most capable multi-mission combat system deployed in the world today.
Scientists have assured that the asteroid’s small size means it will not do any damage when it hits the ground, and there is no need for people to evacuate the area. According to a 2017 study, only asteroids that span at least nearly 60 feet in diameter are potentially lethal if they head towards Earth.
The early sighting of the incoming asteroid is unique, as very few have been spotted before they enter Earth’s atmosphere. However, it is a positive sign that astronomers were able to identify the asteroid so early, with Dr. Alan Fitzsimmons of Queen’s University Belfast stating, “It’s a win for science, and for anybody who happens to be in Siberia this evening. There’s something to take your mind away from the no doubt quite chilly temperatures.”