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We were lucky, the rocket part dodged us this time, but space debris could cause many damages in the future.
After years of anticipation and apocalyptic scenarios the first space debris falls into the Indian Ocean giving scientists the possibility to further study such events. Scientists were waiting for the space junk, called WT1190F, to enter our atmosphere on 13th November, so they closely followed its trajectory.
The much-awaited arrival of the space junk took place on a fatidic day, the 13th of November; therefore, people’s imagination went a little bit further suggesting that the asteroid could be fatal for us. Luckily, the debris fell on an uninhabited area, that is, in the Indian Ocean and there haven’t been any damages or victims.
The event was not noticeable to ground watchers and that was a big disappointment. Only astronomers have got a clear view of the wonderful event as the debris entered Earth’s atmosphere around morning hours. The object headed towards the southern coast of Sri Lanka, more specifically, at approximately 65km from this region where it has eventually plunged into the ocean.
Judging by the looks of the images that astronomers have captured, scientists have managed to determine that the debris was, in fact some sort of rocket part that was left behind by a spaceship. Its dimensions were not as big as it was initially estimated, so scientists reassured people that the debris is not a real threat to humanity. Moreover, its landing into the water has prevented victims.
The entire event was broadcasted by researchers through social media channels. There have been many Twitter posts explaining the changes that the rocket part went through while entering Earth’s atmosphere.
At the end of the observation, researchers have stated that the WT1190F space junk had a very unusual trajectory in respect to other asteroids. The object did not have a horizontal trajectory, but rather followed a straight and fast plunge. This observation will help researchers expand their knowledge on asteroids approaching the Earth.
Although the space object was barely visible, the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defence imposed safety precautions. They prohibited people to fly or fish in the area where the debris was due to fall.
Image source: www.eurekaproductions.tv
