What seems like the beginning of a Hollywood drama really wasn’t all that exciting. Because it was quickly discovered that the chunk was only two meters in diameter and was therefore harmless.
Still, it was a perfect test for NASA’s warning software. Krzysztyn Sarnezki immediately sent his observations to the Asteroid Center in Cambridge, USA. A special software continuously analyzes all the data for potential impacts on Earth. He predicted a hit just north of Iceland — less than an hour before impact.
An image from the Meteosat weather satellite later showed a spot of light that was visible for a few seconds. It’s not clear whether the recording actually documents how the chunk burns up in the atmosphere – because the time and space don’t match exactly.
Alert has a serious background in software development. Nine years ago, an asteroid 20 meters wide exploded over the Russian city of Chelyabinsk. 1,200 people were injured.
Hits cannot be prevented with just a few hours of advance warning in the future – but experts can at least warn people in affected areas.
Emma Fairchild is a contributor to CA News Ottawa, covering news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on clear, accurate reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current affairs and developments that shape their communities. Her work highlights relevant stories, emerging trends, and important issues, presenting them in a balanced, accessible, and reader-friendly manner.
