The western U.S. has recently been treated to an unexpected sky show. Folks in California and Canada have spotted bright trails overhead that look like meteorites. But instead of space rocks, it’s Starlink satellites making their fiery descent. This could mean occasional slowdowns in internet connectivity, too.
Right now, around one to two Starlink satellites plummet back to Earth daily. Retired Harvard astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell tracks these events in his publication, “Jonathan’s Space Report.” He notes that we may soon see this number rise to five each day. This increase stems from a growing number of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO).
Starlink is a major player in this space, with over 8,500 satellites in orbit currently, according to McDowell. When you include other projects like Amazon Kuiper, the total could exceed 30,000 satellites in operation. This number nearly doubles with China’s satellite programs, which McDowell estimates will add around 20,000 more satellites.
Satellites in LEO typically have a five-year lifespan before they need replacing. As more satellites are launched, we can expect about five to “retire” daily. Interestingly, a recent study reveals that these satellites reenter the atmosphere more quickly during heightened solar activity. McDowell also pointed out the risk of Kessler syndrome—a scenario where too many satellites can lead to collisions, creating even more debris in space.
While most satellites fall safely to Earth, some could pose risks during reentry. A report from the Federal Aviation Administration warns that by 2035, we might see injuries or fatalities from falling debris every two years. So, keep an eye on the sky and stay aware of what’s happening above!
For more detailed insights into satellite tracking, you can check out Jonathan’s Space Report here.
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Satellite,SPACEX,Starlink
