An asteroid, measuring just one metre in diameter, struck Earth's atmosphere in October, mere hours after being detected. This unexpected event highlights the challenges of tracking near-Earth objects, even those posing minimal threat.
The asteroid, designated 2024 UQ, was first spotted by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) survey in Hawaii on 22 October. This network of telescopes scans the sky for potential threats, but in this case, the asteroid was located near the edge of two adjacent fields, delaying its identification as a moving object.
By the time the necessary data reached impact monitoring systems, operated by the European Space Agency's Near-Earth Object Coordination Center (NEOCC), the asteroid had already entered Earth's atmosphere and burned up over the Pacific Ocean near California.
This incident marks the third time in 2024 that an asteroid has impacted Earth within hours of detection. In January, a 1-metre wide asteroid, designated 2024 BX1, disintegrated harmlessly over Berlin, Germany. In September, a similar-sized asteroid, 2024 RW1, exploded over the Philippines, leaving a trail of fire visible in multiple videos.
These events highlight the ever-present risk of near-Earth objects, and the importance of enhancing planetary defence efforts. While the recent impactors posed no danger to Earth, larger asteroids could pose a significant threat.
To mitigate this risk, space agencies are working to improve detection systems and develop methods to deflect incoming asteroids. Alongside ATLAS and other surveys, NASA is developing a new infrared telescope, NEO Surveyor, specifically designed to hunt for potentially hazardous near-Earth objects.
Beyond detection, space agencies are actively testing asteroid deflection technologies. In 2022, NASA's DART mission successfully altered the trajectory of a double asteroid system by crashing an impactor into it. China is also developing its own asteroid deflection mission, aiming for a launch by 2030.
As our understanding of the potential threat posed by near-Earth objects evolves, the focus shifts to creating a multi-faceted approach to planetary defence. This includes not only detecting potential threats but also developing the necessary technology to divert them should they pose a real danger to Earth.
