A 1,000 lb object will soon crash-land on Earth, reveal scientists! Here's all you need to know
The enigmatic world of space consists of various unknown objects all around. We are always hearing of a meteor or asteroid moving close to the planet, and posing a risk of threat. Recently, scientists have revealed that a massive 1,000 lb object will be crash-landing on Earth next week.
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While meteors and asteroids create a concern of colliding when they change their gravitational journey, this object is a former
Soviet spacecraft
that is aimed to land on the planet. Could it pose a threat to human life, and should we be concerned?
What is the space object?
A former Soviet spacecraft that weighs 1,000 lb has been orbiting the planet for over 50 years. Now, according to scientists, it is about to re-enter the atmosphere, and there's a small chance that it could collide with a populated area.
According to Earthsky.org, the spacecraft called
Kosmos 482
was launched by the
former Soviet Union
on March 31st, 1972. Initially, the spacecraft was bound for
Venus
, but an issue with a timer cut an engine burn prematurely, which left it stuck in the planet's orbit.
When will the Kosmos 482 approach Earth?
Image credits: X/@smek2
Kosmos 482 is predicted to re-enter the planet's atmosphere between May 8 to May 11, though a more accurate timing will be calculated by scientists as the spacecraft approaches closer.
Where will Kosmos 482 land on Earth?
According to the website, it is "extremely difficult" to figure out where the "uncontrolled" entry of the spacecraft will take place. The current calculations predict that the re-entry will take place 'anywhere between latitude 52 degrees north and 52 degrees south' with the probability that it will mostly be over the ocean.
What will happen if Kosmos 482 collides with the Earth?
Image credits: X/@nexta_tv
Scientists note that if Kosmos 482 collides with the Earth in a populated area, it could be disastrous due to the spacecraft's peculiar design.
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While most spacecraft break up into smaller parts while re-entering the atmosphere, Kosmos 482 was made to withstand the intense heat of Venus, meaning that its 1091-pound landing module is likely to remain intact. Marco Langbroek, a satellite expert, noted that the impact speed of the fall can be around 150 miles per hour.
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