A small asteroid with a diameter of about 70 cm has been discovered on a collision course with Earth and is expected to enter the atmosphere over northern Siberia today.

The impact is expected around 9:45 pm IST, with a possible deviation of five minutes.

Fortunately, experts assure that the event will be harmless and will likely result in a spectacular fireball rather than major damage.

The asteroid, which remains unnamed, is part of a growing list of near-Earth objects being monitored by space agencies around the world. Discovered shortly before its expected entry into Earth’s atmosphere, this special object shows advances in tracking and predicting asteroid trajectories.

As the asteroid approaches, it is expected to burn up as it enters the atmosphere, producing a bright flash visible from the ground. Such small asteroids often decay harmlessly because their size means they typically cannot survive the intense heat generated when they enter the atmosphere.

Historically, similar events have provided valuable opportunities for scientific observation and public engagement with space phenomena. For example, in 2013, a meteor exploded over Chelyabinsk, Russia, causing injuries and damage but also raising awareness of the importance of initiatives to protect the planet.

Space agencies such as NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) are continually improving their capabilities to detect and track near-Earth objects.

These efforts are critical to understanding potential threats and developing strategies to mitigate the risks associated with larger asteroids that could pose a threat to Earth.

As today’s event unfolds, skywatchers in northern Siberia could witness this cosmic spectacle.

Although the asteroid impact does not pose a threat, it demonstrates the dynamic nature of our solar system and the ongoing need for vigilance in monitoring celestial objects approaching our planet.