Asteroid Discovered Over Philippines Burns Up Safely

News Today: Asteroid discovered in Earth’s atmosphere over the Philippines breaks apart

A small asteroid, identified as 2024 RW1, was discovered in Earth’s atmosphere over the coast of the Philippines, breaking apart harmlessly, NASA confirmed. The asteroid, measuring about 3 feet (1 meter) across, was spotted by astronomers from the Catalina Sky Survey, run by the University of Arizona and funded by NASA. Just hours after its discovery, the space rock entered Earth’s atmosphere, where it safely disintegrated.

NASA reports that asteroids of this size typically approach Earth every two weeks without posing any danger. The detection of 2024 RW1 marks only the ninth time an asteroid has been spotted before impact, highlighting the effectiveness of NASA’s asteroid-tracking systems.

The discovery showcases the capability of the Catalina Sky Survey to identify even small space objects in Earth’s vicinity. Fortunately, this asteroid posed no risk to the planet, burning up entirely upon entry. Stay updated with News Today for more space discoveries and developments.