A small asteroid with a diameter of about 70 centimeters was 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.

Experts have assured the public that the event will be harmless and is more likely to result in a brilliant fireball than cause any significant damage.

The unnamed asteroid is part of a growing list of near-Earth objects being monitored by space agencies around the world. It was discovered shortly before its expected entry into the atmosphere, highlighting 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. Small asteroids like this often decay harmlessly because their size usually prevents them from surviving the intense heat that occurs when they enter the atmosphere.

Historically, similar events have provided valuable opportunities for scientific observation and public engagement with space phenomena. For example, the meteor explosion over Chelyabinsk, Russia, in 2013 raised awareness of initiatives to protect the planet, although injuries and damage occurred.

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 poses no threat, it is a reminder of the dynamic nature of our solar system and the ongoing need to be vigilant in monitoring celestial objects approaching our planet.