The asteroid 2022 WJ1 exploded above southern Ontario, creating a spectacular green fireball that was visible for miles. This tiny asteroid, only discovered a few hours before its fiery end, was about the size of an average domestic cat.
Astronomers from the Catalina Sky Survey in Arizona spotted 2022 WJ1 just three hours before it entered Earth’s atmosphere. They were able to predict its path, allowing equipment along the asteroid’s trajectory to closely monitor its journey. Observations from the Lowell Discovery Telescope and Western University’s cameras revealed that the asteroid was between 16 to 24 inches wide, making it the smallest asteroid ever properly measured.
While larger potentially hazardous asteroids are regularly monitored, smaller space rocks like 2022 WJ1 often go undetected until they enter Earth’s atmosphere. This event marked only the sixth time astronomers have spotted an asteroid before impact. By comparing data from telescopes and professional camera systems, researchers were able to make more accurate predictions about the meteor’s composition and size.
This development is significant as it shows that astronomers are improving at detecting approaching space rocks. In 2024 alone, three early identified impactors were recorded, including an asteroid above Berlin, a fireball over the Philippines, and a meteor off the Californian coast. Collecting fragments of these impactors can provide valuable insights into the nature of fireballs and meteorites.
Although no fragments of 2022 WJ1 were recovered, there is still hope of finding meteorites from the event in the future. Despite two years passing since the explosion, dedicated individuals in the area are searching for these elusive fragments. With luck, meteorites from this extraordinary event may still be discovered in the coming months and years.
In conclusion, the explosion of asteroid 2022 WJ1 above Niagara Falls provided a rare opportunity for scientists to study a tiny space rock before it entered Earth’s atmosphere. By combining data from telescopes and cameras, researchers gained valuable insights into the composition and size of the asteroid. This event underscores the importance of continued monitoring of space rocks to better understand and prepare for potential impacts in the future.
