Starlink Satellite Falls to Earth in Shocking Video About the U.S.
It is reported that the satellites were launched in 2022.
On November 10, a dazzling meteor crossed the skies of Colorado, Kansas, Texas, and Oklahoma, capturing the attention of residents who initially thought they were witnessing a meteorite. However, astronomers have indicated that this phenomenon was actually the glowing reentry of a SpaceX Starlink satellite, launched in 2022. Many residents, especially in the areas of Oklahoma City and Dallas-Fort Worth, reported seeing the bright object that illuminated the night.
The American Meteor Society, responsible for collecting reports on such events, received numerous testimonies detailing the brightness of the meteor. It is believed that Starlink-4682 reentered the atmosphere over Texas, being one of six Starlink satellites that have reentered since the elections, four of which have been confirmed and two are still under verification. The deorbiting of five Starlink satellites was also recorded in the week leading up to the elections, which is not considered unusual.
Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer and well-known tracker of spacecraft from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, commented that it is likely the observed object was a Starlink satellite disintegrating during its reentry. SpaceX has launched thousands of Starlink units into low Earth orbit as part of its global internet service, and older models eventually suffer from deorbiting, reentering the atmosphere where they burn up.
This spectacle has reopened the debate about the environmental impact of satellite reentry. During their disintegration, these devices release byproducts such as aluminum oxide, a compound that can harm the upper atmosphere. Some scientists warn that aluminum oxide could contribute to ozone depletion and alter the atmosphere's ability to reflect sunlight, potentially affecting temperatures at high altitudes. Additionally, it has been noted that the constellation of satellites is hindering astronomy. As SpaceX continues its weekly Starlink launches, it is likely that more sightings of flaming satellites will be recorded across various parts of the world.
