On December 3, 2024, an asteroid about 70 cm in diameter crashed into Yakutia, Russia, just hours after its discovery.
The body, discovered about 12 hours before impact, produced a bright fireball that was seen by many residents in the area.
This asteroid is similar to previous entries such as 2022 WJ, 2023 CX1 and 2024 BX1, which have also produced spectacular displays upon entering the atmosphere.
As it entered Earth’s atmosphere, the asteroid shattered into several pieces, possibly scattering small boulders across a remote forest area.
Fortunately, due to its size and location, no injuries or significant damage were reported.
This event illustrates the dynamic nature of our solar system and the importance of monitoring near-Earth objects (NEOs). Space agencies such as NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) have enhanced their tracking capabilities, allowing for timely alerts about potential impacts.
This event is the fourth imminent impactor event discovered in 2024, reflecting advances in asteroid detection technology.
While small asteroids typically burn up harmlessly as they enter, events such as this highlight the continued need for vigilance in monitoring celestial bodies.
The Chelyabinsk meteor event remains a historical reference point; that event caused injuries and damage despite its relatively small size.