Tiny Asteroid Hit Earths Burns Up Over Philippines Discovered This Morning Esa Says

Asteroid Burns Up Over Philippines After Being Discovered This Morning

Asteroid 2023 CX1 Impacts Earth's Atmosphere

European Space Agency Detected Object Hours Before Entry

A tiny asteroid, designated 2023 CX1, entered Earth's atmosphere and disintegrated over the Philippines on Wednesday morning. The European Space Agency (ESA) detected the object just hours before it impacted the planet, making this the fifth asteroid to strike Earth in the past year.

According to the ESA, 2023 CX1 was approximately 1.2 meters in diameter and weighed around 3,000 pounds. It entered the atmosphere over the Sulu Sea at around 10:30 AM local time (02:30 UTC), creating a bright fireball that was visible across the region.

The asteroid's sudden appearance and rapid disintegration underscore the importance of near-Earth object (NEO) detection and tracking programs. The ESA's Space Situational Awareness program, which detected 2023 CX1, plays a crucial role in identifying and monitoring potential threats to Earth.

What Happened?

* Asteroid 2023 CX1 entered Earth's atmosphere over the Philippines on Wednesday morning. * The ESA detected the object just hours before impact. * The asteroid disintegrated, creating a bright fireball visible across the region.

Why is This Important?

* This is the fifth asteroid to strike Earth in the past year. * The ESA's NEO detection and tracking programs are vital for protecting Earth from potential threats.

What's Next?

* Scientists will continue to study the fragments of 2023 CX1 to learn more about its composition and origin. * The ESA will continue to monitor NEOs and develop technologies to mitigate potential threats.

Additional Information

* The ESA's Space Situational Awareness program: https://www.esa.int/Safety_Security/SSA * NASA's Near-Earth Object Program: https://neo.jpl.nasa.gov/