In an extraordinary development, scientists have announced the detection of a small asteroid hurtling towards Earth, marking only the ninth recorded instance of an asteroid identified before impact. The European Space Agency (ESA) took to Twitter to share the news, creating a buzz among space enthusiasts and researchers alike.

According to the ESA, this roughly 1-meter (3-foot) asteroid, named CAQTDL2, is anticipated to enter Earth's atmosphere over the Philippines in a matter of hours. The expected time of impact is set for 12:46 p.m. ET (4:46 p.m. UTC), making Luzon Island a focal point of this cosmic event.

Astonishingly, the Catalina Sky Survey was able to spot the asteroid this morning, providing astronomers with a rare opportunity to track its trajectory. While asteroids of this size, ranging around 1 meter, are estimated to collide with Earth approximately every two weeks, detecting them before impact is an exceedingly infrequent occurrence.

Despite the momentous nature of this discovery, experts have assured the public that CAQTDL2 poses no substantial risk. The small size of the asteroid means that upon entry into the atmosphere, it is expected to disintegrate harmlessly, producing a dazzling fireball that could potentially be witnessed by those in the vicinity.

However, the observation of this celestial spectacle might be hindered by the presence of Typhoon Yagi, which has recently swept through the northern Philippines. The storm, which possessed tropical storm strength, has now transformed into a Category 3 hurricane, located approximately 250 miles (400 kilometers) west of Luzon Island.

The combination of cloud cover caused by Typhoon Yagi and the swift movement of the asteroid could present challenges for researchers and viewers alike hoping to catch a glimpse of the anticipated fireball. Nonetheless, scientists and astronomy enthusiasts remain intrigued by this unprecedented occurrence, eagerly anticipating any valuable data that may be gathered from this rare observation.

As the countdown to the asteroid's entry into Earth's atmosphere begins, eyes are focused on the skies above the Philippines. The significance of this event not only lies in its rarity but also in the scientific insights it could bring about our understanding of these celestial objects and their potential impacts on our planet.