So how about those meteorites.

[Redeemer]

It was reported that the first "disintegrated in the atmosphere" as it tore through Russia's sky, but then this was published:

 

 

Holy shit, right? At least 950 people have been hurt by the shock wave. Then we had another pass the Earth, 17, 200 miles away. That's only a TENTH of the distance to the goddamn Moon. It's the closest near miss we've ever had.

 

But from what I can see, no one predicted these things coming? Like, no report (that I've read at least) has mentioned that they were predicted or expected, they were kind of out of the blue. How the hell can you miss something like that?

[Drasiana]

Wasn't there one a couple months ago where the asteroid would've obliterated Earth if it hadn't been sucked into Jupiter's gravitational field? Space is scary.

[Redeemer]

Are you serious. Holy hell my heart stopped when I read that. How did I not hear about this?? 0_o

[Drasiana]

http://io9.com/5942203/jupiter-may-have-just-saved-earth-from-a-devastating-impact-event

 

I don't know how legit it is but yeah

[Redeemer]

 

I feel so small and afraid.

[Xortberg]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snDoQ7D2kXQ

 

It amazes me how unfazed all these people driving their cars are. There's one bit near the end with a dashboard cam, and it totally looks like the meteor is going to hit this guy's car, and he doesn't give a single fuck. Russians, man.

 

Also, my mom has taken this opportunity to tell me that these meteors and asteroids and whatnot are a sign of the End Times, and also tell me her conspiracy theory on how the Russia meteor is something that some shady government did intentionally.

 

I love you mom, but you gotta drop those conspiracy theories.

[Xidphel]

THE SKY IS FALLING! THE END IS NIGH!
*Grabs a chair and popcorn and waits for the apocalypse*

[mjakob42]

That's it: I'm skipping galaxies. Who's with me?

[Icy]

Really crazy stuff happened today. DA14, this...

 

Weird.

[Gestalt]

The density of air as a function of altitude caused the thing explode in mid air about 30 meters above the ground sending out a shock-wave that shattered every window in range. Of the 900 injuries mostly were minor cuts. Of course, a few small chunks were left over that made it to the ground. That building was, presumably, structurally unsound before the meteorite exploded. 

 

Now the asteroid skimming the orbit is thought to have nothing to do with this meteorite. In fact, its the not the first time that big boy has passed us. It just the closest. Keep in mind, even though 17,000 miles is pretty close on an AU scale. Its still pretty fucking far away. So,

 

 

Mr. President, I propose we blow this thing outta the water with the entirety of our nuclear stores before it makes another pass.

[CrypticQuery]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snDoQ7D2kXQ

 

It amazes me how unfazed all these people driving their cars are. There's one bit near the end with a dashboard cam, and it totally looks like the meteor is going to hit this guy's car, and he doesn't give a single fuck. Russians, man.

 

Believe me; after seeing what Russian roads can be like courtesy of extremely prevalent dash cam videos like the one I will link below, it does not surprise me that the drivers didn't seem to mind;

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itMdLTd1l4E

 

----

 

I'm glad that injuries and destruction were not more widespread; some sort of existential crisis is surely in order.

[Snys93]

   Meteorite my ass! Russia is testing sh*t I know it. Sources say no identifiable fragments were recovered and the Russia government was quick to remove any evidence connecting any lead that it might be a weapon.

[Rin]

It's a pretty well known fact that Russia is a horrible place to drive in, simply because they don't care. It should also be noted that in major cities (like Moscow), it's illegal to walk across the street. You have to take tunnels that go under the roads.

 

My favourite joke related to this is that this meteorite was supposed to arrive on December 21st, but didn't because of Russia's horrible mailing service.

[ballisticwaffles]

AHAHAHAHAHA. You all make me laugh. Seriously people, we have known about these Asteroids and meteorites for years. I remember reading about the one that passed danger close to the planet when i was in grade school. And weapons? C'mon people, if Russia had an Earthquake half of you would jump on the "NEW WEAPONS" Bandwagon.

[Drasiana]

   Meteorite my ass! Russia is testing sh*t I know it. Sources say no identifiable fragments were recovered

 

That's because a meteorite is a gigantic burning heap of space junk and what parts of it don't disintegrate in the atmosphere get lost among the rubble.

 

 

the Russia government was quick to remove any evidence connecting any lead that it might be a weapon.

 

That's because the simplest explanation is correct: there were no leads to begin with.

 

I thought Russia was long past boogeyman status.

[Gene Inari]

The thing to remember about tracking meteorites and asteroids and comets is the kind of sizes and distances astronomers have to deal with when patrolling the skies for these things.

I could explain it myself but...

http://youtu.be/qnAhYf4xy1E

Cut to 11:30 if you want to know why meteors get in with no warning.