Astronomers living in space have the privilege of enjoying the mesmerizing views of the milky way and space with other celestial bodies. They experience these panoramas firsthand and have a 24/7 view window open to them to marvel at the work of nature. However, this sightseeing is not always very pleasant. In fact, sometimes it can prove to be worrisome and even dangerous.
Recently, while looking at the view in front of them, they saw something troublesome and out of the ordinary. There was an object that collided with Jupiter. When it happened, a significant number of amateur astronomers were marveling at the ongoing transit of the shadow of Io which is one of Jupiter’s moons, according to SpaceWeather.com.
It was told by the German astrophotographer, Harald Paleske, that out of nowhere, there came a “bright flash of light.” “It could only be an impact,” he further said. The incident was noticed and seen by other astronomers in different areas of the world as well. Professional and experienced astronomers confirmed and validated the occurrence of the event too.
Paleske spoke to SpaceWeather.com and stated that the fireball was located at 106.9 degrees latitude, and +3.8 degrees longitude. The pictures he took depict that the flash was visible for about two seconds. The reason for its occurrence and the nature of the fireball is yet to be determined. One thing is certain that it came from an asteroid. However, it is for sure that it collided with Jupiter. Scientists are now looking for any dark marks or areas damaged by collision on the surface of Jupiter.
This is not the first sight of objects colliding with Jupiter. In fact, NASA data analyzed in 2019 showed that earlier in the solar system’s history, Jupiter may even have absorbed an entire planet.
One of those examples can be the amazing Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 that smashed into Jupiter in July 1994, according to NASA. When it smashed, it left a huge trail of debris and dark marks. It gave a theory that life has been able to sustain on Earth because Jupiter sucks up so many harmful asteroids that would have gone to the earth and destroy its surface otherwise.