asteroid’s fireball will be visible in Siberia">
Today, a small asteroid around 70 centimetres in diameter will create a stunning sight in the skies of northern Siberia. At approximately 11.15 pm local time, the asteroid will burn up in the atmosphere, producing a bright fireball. This harmless event has been forecasted by the European Space Agency.
According to Professor Alan Fitzsimmons from Queen’s University Belfast, such occurrences offer a unique opportunity for astronomers to study these objects up close. This particular asteroid, named C0WEPC5, is the fourth predicted asteroid strike on Earth this year.
With advancements in technology, we can now detect and track smaller asteroids early on, allowing for further research and potential deflection strategies in the future. NASA and ESA have dedicated programs for monitoring asteroids, including collaborations with amateur astronomers for data collection.
The asteroid was discovered by NASA’s ATLAS system, designed to provide up to a week’s notice of potential impacts. This event not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also offers a captivating spectacle for those in Siberia on this chilly evening.
Topics: Asteroids, Astronomy, Space Exploration
Vocabulary List:
- Asteroid /ˈæs.tə.rɔɪd/ (noun): A small rocky body that orbits the sun often found in the asteroid belt.
- Fireball /ˈfaɪə.bɔːl/ (noun): A bright meteor that explodes in the atmosphere.
- Forecasted /fɔːrˈkæstɪd/ (verb): Predicted or estimated a future event based on data.
- Unique /juːˈniːk/ (adjective): Being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else.
- Collaboration /kəˌlæb.əˈreɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The action of working with someone to produce something.
- Spectacle /ˈspɛk.tə.kəl/ (noun): A visually striking performance or display.
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