Near-Earth Asteroid Disintegrates on Dec 3, Monitored by NASA and China, Yunnan Captures Rare Images

Dec 6, 2024, 01:00 PM

A near-Earth asteroid entered Earth's atmosphere and disintegrated on December 3, as confirmed by NASA. This event marked humanity's 11th asteroid impact warning, and the fourth successful warning in 2024. NASA also indicated potential consequences of the asteroid's disintegration. China's Purple Mountain Observatory, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, played a significant role in monitoring the event, providing ephemeris data. Additionally, an observatory in Yunnan, Southwest China, captured rare images of the falling asteroid, which were later announced by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The event highlights international efforts in asteroid monitoring and the advancements in astronomical observation technology.