Get ready for a cosmic spectacle! A Soviet-era spacecraft that was designed to touch down on Venus in the 1970s is set to make an uncontrolled return to Earth soon, after defying gravity for over half a century.

Experts are closely monitoring this relic of the space age, with Dutch scientist Marco Langbroek estimating its reentry around May 10. The spacecraft, weighing about 1,000 pounds, could crash down at a staggering speed of 150 mph (242 kph), but the exact landing spot remains a mystery.

Despite the potential risks, Langbroek reassures us that, statistically, you're more likely to be struck by lightning than to be hit by this spacecraft. He points out that even if it survives the fiery descent, the chances of it injuring anyone are slim.

Originally launched in 1972 as Kosmos 482, this spacecraft was part of an ambitious series of missions to Venus. Unfortunately, it never escaped Earth's orbit due to a rocket failure.

While most of the spacecraft disintegrated years ago, the main landing capsule, a spherical object about 3 feet in diameter, has been swirling in a highly elliptical orbit for 53 years, slowly descending.

With its robust design meant to endure Venus's harsh atmosphere, there's a possibility that this historic piece of space junk may survive reentry. However, experts are skeptical about whether its parachute system will still function after all these years, and the heat shield’s integrity is also in question.

Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics’ Jonathan McDowell suggests a dramatic scenario: if the heat shield fails, the capsule will likely burn up before it reaches the ground. But if it holds together, we could be witnessing a half-ton metal marvel hurtling towards Earth.

The spacecraft could land anywhere between 51.7 degrees north and south latitude, stretching from London to nearly the southern tip of South America. Luckily, the majority of our planet is covered by oceans, so the odds are in favor of it splashing down into the water rather than causing a ruckus on land.

As preparations unfold and the date approaches, we can't help but wonder: Will this vintage space explorer finally meet its fate on Earth? Stay tuned!