Artistically Ornated Atmosphere

  • Thread starter Thread starter .Scott
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Rockets Spacex
AI Thread Summary
De-orbiting SpaceX rockets are creating temporary "atmospheric holes" that appear as bright red orbs in the sky, raising concerns among scientists about potential impacts on astronomy and communications. These phenomena, referred to as "SpaceX auroras," have been observed twice this year, once in Hawaii and once in Alaska. While experts acknowledge the existence of these events, they do not view them as a direct threat to the environment or life on Earth. Some non-experts find these displays entertaining and see them as opportunities for atmospheric research. Overall, the discussion highlights a blend of scientific concern and public fascination with the visual effects of rocket de-orbiting.
.Scott
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
Messages
3,750
Reaction score
1,832
TL;DR Summary
A Life Science article expresses "expert concern" on the effects rocketry (SpaceX in particular) on the upper atmosphere.
That Life Science article is entitled "SpaceX rockets keep tearing blood-red 'atmospheric holes' in the sky, and scientists are concerned".
De-orbiting SpaceX rockets are smashing temporary holes in the upper atmosphere, creating bright blobs of light in the sky. Now, scientists have warned that these "SpaceX auroras," which look like glowing red orbs of light, could be causing unrecognized problems — though they are not a threat to the environment or life on Earth.
The article suggests "astronomy and communications" as potential "unrecognized problems".
Also from the articles:
There have already been two major SpaceX spirals this year: The first was in January, which was spotted forming above Mauna Kea in Hawaii, and the second occurred in April, which shone during a traditional auroral display in Alaska.

As a non-expert, non-scientist, I think the short-lived red satellite "contrails" and spirals to be potentially quite entertaining night time features.
And if they obscure the predicted "space bill boards", so much the better.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Note how none of the experts expresses concern in the direct attributions. They discuss it as phenomenon that exists, one discusses how it's an opportunity to learn more about the atmosphere.
 
One of the six 'Classic' AC Clarke tales of Lunar exploration featured an experiment that jetted a plume of Sodium to become ionised by sunlight and visible from Earth. Experiment's 'Owner' was unaware the 'nozzle', a simple cut-out, had been mischievously replaced by a stencil which duly 'sky-wrote' a famous soft-drinks' logo....
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ventu...he Moon is,newspaper Evening Standard in 1956.
There's a link to archived text, #3 includes wry Tale_5, "Watch this Space"
 
Due to the constant never ending supply of "cool stuff" happening in Aerospace these days I'm creating this thread to consolidate posts every time something new comes along. Please feel free to add random information if its relevant. So to start things off here is the SpaceX Dragon launch coming up shortly, I'll be following up afterwards to see how it all goes. :smile: https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacex/

Similar threads

Back
Top