If you haven't heard by now, debris from China's Long March 5B rocket is currently orbiting Earth and is expected to make an uncontrolled re-entry into the atmosphere within the next few days.
On April 29, the rocket initially took off from Hainan island while carrying a module meant for China's developing space station. However, once the rocket's core separated from its body, its first stage did not follow a pre-planned course that would lead the discarded portion into the atmosphere for burning or into the ocean, as is custom. Instead, the piece went into orbit, and researchers are left estimating when and where it will plunge back down to Earth.
"US Space Command is aware of and tracking the location of the Chinese Long March 5B in space," Lt. Col. Angela Webb of US Space Command Public Affairs told CBS News. "But its exact entry point into the Earth's atmosphere cannot be pinpointed until within hours of its re-entry, which is expected around May 8."
Considering about 70 percent of the Earth is covered by oceans and many regions remain uninhabited, the chance of debris striking a city remain thankfully low. However, it is not impossible.
Following news of what I'll nickname Rocket Watch, social media platforms like TikTok became flooded with explainers, graphs depicting potential landing zones, and many anxiety-ridden commenters. And, because the internet is the internet, most coped with this slightly nerve-racking news in the best way they know how — by making jokes...
...and reminiscing about how much we've already gone through.
Some hope nature will do its thing...
![BERMUDA TRIANGLE DO YOUR THING [sweating while laughing emoji]](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2021-05/5/16/asset/0edf3dc06170/sub-buzz-8153-1620230686-31.jpg)
...because they would rather nature take its course than be forced into finals.
![Then I wouldn't have to take my AP exams [fingers crossed emoji]](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2021-05/5/16/asset/d411ca8a5013/sub-buzz-8220-1620230703-1.jpg)
Others are becoming used to the stress 2020–2021 has brought us...
...and a select few have apparently channeled that extra energy into working out...
...or they're waiting for someone a bit stronger.
Those like me just pray we aren't compromised in an awkward, final position.
![if i die on the toilet............[neutral face emoji]](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2021-05/5/16/asset/c7a1477c03cb/sub-buzz-8202-1620230760-3.jpg)
But at least some people are prepared for whatever apocalyptic situation arrives next.
And if all else fails, at least we're not alone.
![if u have anxiety clap ur hands [clapping hands emoji] if u have anxiety and unlocked a new fear clap ur hands [clapping hands emoji]](https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2021-05/5/16/asset/ecb5d4f715fa/sub-buzz-8252-1620230817-11.jpg)
It's slightly comforting to know that even in emergent situations, jokes will get us through.
Note: But again, likelihood of the debris hitting a metropolitan area is incredibly low.