Social media was abuzz with videos of a small asteroid burning up over the Philippines on Wednesday. Named 2024 RW1, the asteroid was discovered just hours before its impact by research technologist Jacqueline Fazekas. This highlights the need for space agencies to continue their efforts in tracking and cataloguing near-Earth objects through missions like NASA’s Double Asteroids Redirect Test.
On Wednesday, April 26, 2023, a small asteroid named 2024 RW1 entered Earth's atmosphere over the Philippines. The asteroid was discovered just hours before its impact by research technologist Jacqueline Fazekas of the Catalina Sky Survey in Tucson, Arizona.
The asteroid was about the size of a small car and was traveling at a speed of about 11 kilometers per second (25,000 miles per hour). It entered Earth's atmosphere at an angle of about 45 degrees and exploded in a bright flash of light. The explosion was visible from the ground and was captured on video by several people.
The impact of the asteroid did not cause any damage or injuries. However, it did highlight the need for space agencies to continue their efforts in tracking and cataloguing near-Earth objects (NEOs). NEOs are asteroids and comets that come close to Earth's orbit. While most NEOs are harmless, some have the potential to cause significant damage if they impact Earth.
NASA is currently developing a mission called the Double Asteroid Redirect Test (DART) that will test the effectiveness of a spacecraft impacting an asteroid to deflect it from its path. The DART mission is scheduled to launch in 2022.
Top 5 FAQs about Asteroids and Earth Impacts
The likelihood of an asteroid impact on Earth is very small. However, it is not zero. There are an estimated 25,000 NEOs that are larger than 1 kilometer in diameter. Of these, about 1,000 are considered to be potentially hazardous asteroids (PHAs). PHAs are asteroids that have a potential to impact Earth and cause significant damage.
The effects of an asteroid impact depend on the size of the asteroid and the location of the impact. A small asteroid impact, like the one that occurred over the Philippines, will likely not cause any damage. However, a larger asteroid impact could cause significant damage, including:
There are a number of ways to prevent asteroid impacts, including:
NASA is currently developing a number of missions to prevent asteroid impacts, including:
There are a number of things that you can do to help prevent asteroid impacts, including:
The Indian government has appointed V Narayanan as the new chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation and Secretary, Department of Space. An IIT alumnus and cryogenic engine developer, Narayanan is expected to take charge from the current head of the organisation, S Somanath, on January 14. With years of experience and expertise in rocket and spacecraft propulsion, Narayanan aims to take ISRO to greater heights and continue India's development in space technology.
The state of Gujarat has taken precautionary measures to handle cases of HMPV, a respiratory virus, after one case was detected in a two-month-old boy two weeks ago. Three civil hospitals in Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, and Rajkot have created isolation wards with a total of 45 beds to handle any potential health emergency. The health department has also issued an advisory to the public to prevent the spread of the virus. However, according to data from the Indian Council of Medical Research and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, there has been no alarming surge in respiratory illnesses in the country.
The recent detection of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in India has sparked fears of a potential new outbreak similar to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, medical authorities assure the public that HMPV has been circulating globally for years and is not a new virus. While three cases have been reported in India, there is no need to press the panic button as there has been no unusual surge in respiratory illness cases in the country. Karnataka's Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stresses that this is not the first case of HMPV in India and it is not something new.
As China experiences an outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus, also known as HMPV, health officials in Telangana, India have issued a list of precautions for the public, despite no reported cases in the state. The respiratory virus, which primarily affects children, immunocompromised individuals, and the elderly, can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including mild cold-like illness and more serious respiratory conditions. However, the Indian health agency has assured that there is no cause for alarm and that the country does not need to worry at this time.
Renowned nuclear scientist and key figure in India's nuclear program, Dr. R Chidambaram, passed away at the age of 88. He was known for his contributions to nuclear research and played a significant role in India's nuclear tests and the country's civil nuclear agreement with the United States. His passing marks a significant loss for the scientific community and the country's progress in the field of nuclear technology.
The recent spread of a new virus, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), in China has sparked global concerns, with reports of increasing cases among children under 14. However, Indian health experts and the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have dismissed the possibility of a widespread disruption. This is due to previous knowledge about HMPV and its similarity to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common respiratory pathogen. While HMPV may be a trigger for asthma in infants, it is not as deadly as Covid-19 and there is no reason for alarm yet.
China's disease control authorities have launched pilot systems to monitor and report cases of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), which has been linked to a recent flu outbreak. As the country continues to battle this respiratory virus, the World Health Organization calls for transparency and cooperation in researching the origins of COVID-19 to better prevent and prepare for future epidemics. Experts warn that people with weak respiratory health and weakened immune systems, as well as young children and the elderly, are most at risk for HMPV and urge preventive measures such as frequent hand washing and wearing masks.
Amidst growing concerns over the coronavirus outbreak, China confirms an increase in cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) among children under 14 years old, especially in northern provinces. HMPV is a respiratory illness similar to the common cold, with symptoms including coughing, runny nose, and sore throat. Health officials are urging the public not to blindly use antiviral drugs to fight HMPV, as there is currently no vaccine against the virus. Antibiotics may be prescribed in extreme cases where HMPV has caused pneumonia and a secondary bacterial infection.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced draft guidelines for introducing skill-based courses and micro-credentials in higher education institutions, aligning with the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020. These courses, including emerging fields such as data analytics and AI, aim to enhance students' employability and support economic growth through a qualified workforce. Feedback on the guidelines will be accepted for the next 30 days, giving students and educators a chance to provide their input.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully placed two satellites, weighing 220kg, into a circular orbit of 475 km for a crucial space docking technology demonstration. This mission also included the launch of POEM-4 with 24 payloads from startups, industries, and academia. Scientist S Somanath stated that the docking process is expected to take place on January 7, after operations at ISTRAC Bengaluru from December 31. This mission is a major step towards future space missions for India.