Initially mistaken for a meteor by many onlookers, the event was later identified as a reentering SpaceX Starlink satellite, part of the Starlink-4682 mission launched in 2022.
The lower orbit poses a serious risk to the satellites, as they now face the challenge of raising their altitude. (Photo: SpaceX)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Nov 12, 2024 12:27 IST
A dazzling fireball that illuminated the night sky over four US states on Saturday, November 9, has been identified as a SpaceX Starlink satellite reentering Earth's atmosphere.
The American Meteor Society received 36 reports of the bright celestial event, which was visible across Colorado, Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma, with most sightings concentrated in the Oklahoma City and Dallas-Fort Worth areas.
Initially mistaken for a meteor by many onlookers, the event was later identified as a reentering SpaceX Starlink satellite, part of the Starlink-4682 mission launched in 2022.
The satellite’s fiery descent captivated witnesses, many describing it as the “most amazing thing” they’d seen. The fireball broke apart as it descended, creating a mesmerizing display resembling fireworks.
The satellite’s reentry was tracked by astronomer Jonathan McDowell of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, who noted that it passed over Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and Oklahoma before burning up.
McDowell highlighted that such reentries, particularly from the Starlink constellation, are increasingly frequent, though most go unnoticed.
As SpaceX continues to expand its satellite network, these striking reentries may become more common, offering skywatchers unexpected shows.
However, the rising frequency of satellite reentries also raises questions about space debris and the environmental impact of massive satellite constellations.
SpaceX launched another 24 Starlink satellites into orbit around Earth on Monday.
Published By:
Sibu Kumar Tripathi
Published On:
Nov 12, 2024
English (US) ·