MUSCAT: The Omani Astronomical Society confirmed in a statement that the recently discovered asteroid (2024 RW1) burned completely while passing through the atmosphere without posing any danger to the Earth's surface.
Dr Ishaq bin Yahya al Shueili, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Omani Astronomical Society, said that the asteroid (2024 RW1) was discovered by the Catalina Sky Survey Project, affiliated with the University of Arizona, a few hours before it approached Earth at a speed of up to 17 km per second. Initial calculations indicated the possibility of it colliding with Earth near the island of Luzon, north of the Philippines, at dawn on Thursday.
He stressed that the size of the asteroid is about 1.5 metres, which is very small and does not pose a major threat to Earth, as these small objects burn completely or partially while passing through the atmosphere. He pointed out that such events occur periodically and do not require concern, as it does not require evacuating the areas where the asteroid is expected to fall.
He added that the asteroid (2024 RW1) is the ninth of its kind to be discovered before its potential collision with Earth, which has become possible thanks to developments in astronomical observation techniques. He said that the first asteroid to be observed before its collision with Earth was in 2008, and since then astronomical projects such as 'Catalina' have been able to observe many small objects that usually burn upon entering the atmosphere.
Many residents of the Philippines saw a glowing green fireball cross the sky at dawn on Thursday, followed by an orange tail, before disappearing a few seconds later. However, some areas did not witness the phenomenon due to clouds accompanying Typhoon Inting (Yagi) that covered the skies of the Philippines at that time.
Dr Al Shueili stressed that the real danger that the Earth may face lies in large objects whose diameters exceed tens or hundreds of metres, but advanced astronomical observation techniques such as those used by the Catalina Project are capable of detecting such large objects from long distances thanks to their high brightness.
He pointed pointed out the importance of following astronomical news from its reliable scientific sources, and avoiding unjustified exaggeration of information, stressing that the Omani Astronomical Society works to enhance public awareness about these phenomena, and to present scientific facts accurately and objectively. — ONA
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