Asteroid lights up night sky before striking Russia’s Yakutia

In the early hours of Wednesday, an asteroid entered Earth’s atmosphere over Yakutia, a remote region in eastern Russia. The event occurred at around 1:15 a.m. local time (1615 GMT) and created a dazzling flash that briefly lit up the night sky. This extraordinary moment was captured on video, showing the asteroid approaching rapidly before disappearing in a burst of light.

Fortunately, the asteroid disintegrated on impact, and no injuries or damage were reported. The Russian Emergencies Ministry had alerted local authorities about the event in advance, ensuring the safety of the region’s residents.

Details about the Asteroid and its entry

The asteroid measured approximately 70 centimeters in diameter, similar in size to other asteroids that have entered Earth's atmosphere in recent years, such as 2022 WJ, 2023 CX1, and 2024 BX1. These previous entries also created brilliant flashes during their descent.

The European Space Agency (ESA) provided insights into the event, noting that the asteroid was detected around 12 hours before it entered the atmosphere. As it traveled through Earth's atmosphere, it broke into smaller fragments that scattered across Yakutia's dense forested areas.

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Asteroids are rocky objects left over from the solar system’s early formation billions of years ago. They mostly orbit the Sun in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. While some are as large as 530 kilometers in diameter, many are much smaller, like the one that entered over Yakutia.

No harm despite the spectacle

Though dramatic, the asteroid’s entry caused no harm. Authorities closely monitored the event and ensured preparations were in place. Incidents like this highlight the fascinating yet unpredictable nature of celestial phenomena, reminding us of the vast and dynamic universe we live in.

For those who witnessed the brilliant flash in Yakutia, it was a rare and unforgettable experience—a vivid display of the wonders of space unfolding right above their skies.