LONDON: Scientists have identified the mysterious object heading towards the Earth as space debris, probably an old rocket that was sent into space long ago. Creating a lot of buzz over the Internet, the object was initially thought to be a UFO probably carrying alien life forms. However, scientists from the European Space Agency (ESA) have dismissed the rumors after a careful study of the object.
It’s not the first time that it has been sighted, the first discovery was made in early 2013 by the Catalina Sky Survey based in Arizona but was lost after that.
It was discovered again on November 29, 2013, but got lost yet again after being observed for more than one year. The debris’ recent discovery was made this year on October 3.
NASA and the military have been tracking space debris especially in low orbit close to the earth. The space debris expected to hit is one of the most accurately studied debris whereby its trajectory has even been calculated.
Scientists believe that it is headed for the Indian Ocean somewhere off the coast of Sri Lanka and will most likely land on November 13.
However, there is a chance that it might not land at all. It might burn up upon entry into the atmosphere due to high friction.
Scientists have also dismissed any fears that the object might cause significant damage to its landing point if it actually lands. This is because the object that astronomers call WT1190F is too small.
