Astronomers Successfully Predict Asteroid Impact Over Siberia

A small asteroid, detected just 12 hours before impact, burned up harmlessly in Earth's atmosphere, creating a spectacular fireball visible across northern Siberia.

The asteroid, designated C0WEPC5, measured approximately 70 centimeters (27.5 inches) in diameter and entered Earth's atmosphere over Yakutia, Russia, on December 3, 2024.
This marked the 11th time astronomers have successfully predicted an asteroid impact before it occurred, and the fourth such event in 2024 alone.
The asteroid was first detected by the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona, with its impact predicted to within 10 seconds by global observation networks including NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA).
The event caused no damage or injuries and was described as a harmless fireball visible for hundreds of kilometers, delighting residents in the region who captured and shared videos online.
Experts highlight the growing success of planetary defense systems in detecting and predicting asteroid impacts, which could prove critical for mitigating future threats from larger space objects.