NASA detects asteroid that's due to hit Earth's atmosphere in a matter of hours
SUMMARY
NASA has detected a small asteroid, named COWECP5, which is set to enter Earth's atmosphere over Eastern Siberia at 11:14 a.m. ET today. The asteroid, measuring 27 inches in diameter, is expected to burn up upon entry, posing no threat to people on the ground. This discovery marks the 12th instance of successfully detecting an asteroid before impact and the fourth such event this year. The asteroid was identified by NASA's Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System and corroborated by the Kitt Peak National Observatory. The European Space Agency's Aegis system calculated its impact trajectory, estimating it will light up the skies approximately 124 miles east of Lensk, creating a bright fireball visible across the region. Scientists emphasize that its small size precludes any potential damage, celebrating the detection as a significant achievement in planetary defense and observational astronomy. Siberians may enjoy a spectacular celestial show tonight.
