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On September 4, a small asteroid called 2024 RW1 burned up in the atmosphere above the island of Luzon, Philippines. According to the Catalina Sky Survey, the asteroid, which is about 1 meter in diameter, posed no threat when it entered the atmosphere at a speed of 17.6 kilometers per second. NASA confirmed that these events happen every two weeks, although they are rarely seen, with videos being shared online despite the cloudy skies caused by Typhoon Yahi. NASA and ESA’s planetary defense efforts remain in focus, with upcoming missions such as China’s 2030 asteroid deflection plan and NASA’s ongoing monitoring of near-Earth objects.
NASA and ESA’s ongoing planetary defense
NASA’s planetary defense initiatives, including the DART mission, successfully altered the path of an asteroid in 2022. With future efforts like the NEO Surveyor and the Chinese asteroid mission, monitoring for potential threats continues to evolve. The European Space Agency (ESA) noted that this was only the ninth asteroid ever detected influence.
Typhoon and asteroid visibility
Videos of the event surfaced online despite challenges from Typhoon Yahi, currently a Category 3 hurricane. The storm has hit northern Luzon, making the observation more difficult. Although this particular asteroid posed no risk, it has generated excitement among researchers and the public alike.
Upcoming asteroid flyby
Looking ahead, another asteroid dubbed “2024 ON” will soon pass by Earth, measuring about 720 feet wide. According to the Virtual Telescope Project, it will pass at a safe distance, but it will offer skywatchers a rare chance to witness such a cosmic event from the Northern Hemisphere.
