On the evening of September 4, 2024, residents of Cagayan were left astounded when the night sky lit up as an asteroid passed by before hitting our planet.
Asteroid 2024 RW1 was 1.3 meters in size and was the ninth asteroid that humankind has witnessed zooming past our skies before touchdown, approximately 3,140 km for its closest approach to Earth. The space agency confirmed that the asteroid was harmless due to its small size.
The asteroid, about 1 meter in size, was detected only hours before impact by NASA’s Catalina Sky Survey. Upon entry, it created a stunning fireball, visible across the skies of northern Luzon
PAGASA
In addition, the space agency also advised that there will be more to come with around the same size, every two weeks. According to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory of NASA, the next one will be on September 6, 2024, named the “2024 RF,” with a size comparison of a house measuring about 15 meters and will have a close proximity to our planet at 4,760,000 kilometers.
Beliefs Surrounding Asteroids & Celestial Objects
Many were in awe upon seeing the video captured by one netizen in Cagayan showing the asteroid’s fall. Some commented how the phenomenon reminded them of an animated movie entitled “Your Name,” while others shared their thoughts and beliefs about falling celestial objects. Why? Well, simply because in the olden times, and in some cultures nowadays, asteroids are considered harbingers of doom or good luck, depending on the belief. Some say that it’s a message from the gods, while others will head over to where the asteroid hits and take some parts of it as it is a tool for healing.
But, regardless, asteroids and celestial objects are truly a rare beauty of nature that if we witness them on our skies, we should take in the moment as it can be once in a lifetime.
So, Sugboanons, if you wanna learn more about asteroids, then visit NASA’s website and their live asteroid tracker; it’ll surely blow your mind knowing what may come next and when it will arrive.
