A fireball that exploded over Russia has no connection to an asteroid that will make a close flyby Friday afternoon. According to Fox News, a NASA scientist has stated that the meteor that caused more than 700 injuries Friday morning had nothing to do with the 2012 DA14 asteroid.
The 2012 DA14 asteroid is expected to fly within 17,200 miles of Earth and scientists anticipate no issues or concerns due to the asteroid. Citizens of Earth, however, may be a little nervous about the close call considering the fireball explosion that occurred in Russia.
Scientists have labeled the meteor a "bolide" but what exactly does that mean? According to the USGS, a bolide is a generic term for an extraterrestrial body that measures between 1 and 10 kilometers, travels at a high velocity, explodes upon impact and creates an impact crater. So, yes, what happened in Russia sounds very much like a bolide.
Following the explosion and impact of the fireball, the shockwave caused damage and injuries nearby. Some accounts hold the number of injured at 700 or more.
While the coincidental timing of the 2012 DA14 asteroid and the Russian meteor may cause questions about whether or not the meteor was originally part of the asteroid, it is believed they are separate incidents due to trajectory. According to Fox News, the asteroid's path is from south to north while the meteor had a totally different path.
Regardless, it is certain that there will be many eyes on the sky today as Earth awaits the approach of the 2012 DA14 asteroid around 2:24 Eastern Standard Time.
What do you think about the meteor explosion? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment or sending an email to tammyleemorris@gmail.com.
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