Asteroid on collision course with Earth explodes over Russia: Watch the stunning video here

Asteroid Crashes Over Yakutia, Russia, Hours After Discovery

An asteroid measuring approximately 70 cm in diameter entered Earth’s atmosphere and crashed over Yakutia, Russia, on December 3, 2024, creating a stunning fireball witnessed by local residents. Detected just 12 hours prior to impact, the asteroid highlights the rapid response and accuracy of modern tracking systems.

Astronomers from global observatories precisely predicted the impact time to within +/- 10 seconds. As the asteroid entered the atmosphere, it disintegrated into fragments, likely scattering small rocks across a remote, forested area. Thankfully, due to its small size and the isolated location, no injuries or damage were reported.

Watch the stunning video here

Camera online in Lensk, Russia. pic.twitter.com/EUTb3OcVmy
Galileo de Almera (@GalileoAlmeria) December 3, 2024

This asteroid joins a growing list of similar incidents, including 2022 WJ, 2023 CX1, and 2024 BX1, which also produced dramatic atmospheric displays. The European Space Agency (ESA) shared details about the event, noting that the asteroid's harmless collision would result in a bright spectacle over northern Siberia.

The event underscores the importance of monitoring near-Earth objects (NEOs). Agencies like NASA and ESA have significantly advanced their tracking capabilities, issuing timely alerts and demonstrating the effectiveness of planetary defense initiatives.

While smaller asteroids like this one typically burn up upon atmospheric entry, the Chelyabinsk meteor incident in 2013 serves as a reminder of the potential dangers even modest-sized objects can pose.

The Yakutia event marks the fourth imminent impactor detected in 2024, a testament to ongoing improvements in asteroid detection technology and the need for continued vigilance in protecting Earth from larger celestial threats.