The European Space Agency (ESA) is preparing for the re-entry of a satellite named ERS-2, which weighs as much as a Tesla Model X, back to Earth after nearly 20 years in orbit. Launched in 1995, the craft has been studying sea temperatures and wind speeds to monitor climate changes. Decommissioned in 2011, the satellite is expected to crash into Earth's atmosphere on Wednesday, February 21, at 10:19 a.m. ET (1519 GMT), give or take around 19 hours. Due to unpredictable solar activity affecting Earth's atmosphere density, the exact location of the crash landing is not yet determined.

As the craft has used up all its fuel, gravity is guiding it back to Earth. However, there is no cause for alarm as most of the satellite is likely to burn up upon re-entry. ESA predicts that when the satellite reaches approximately 50 miles above Earth, it will break into smaller pieces, with the majority burning up in the atmosphere. The ESA assures that very few fragments are anticipated to fall into the ocean.

This celestial event offers skywatchers a chance to witness some fiery action in the night sky without concern for safety, making it a captivating event to observe rather than fear.