DUARS Satellite Re-Entry: Impressive Light Show & Potential Debris Threat

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SUMMARY

The UARS satellite is expected to re-enter Earth's atmosphere this weekend, moving faster than initially predicted. NASA has indicated that there is a 1-in-3200 chance of debris hitting someone on the ground, with the satellite's remnants weighing approximately 1,170 pounds and composed of materials like titanium, aluminum, steel, and beryllium. The satellite's trajectory covers a wide area, including major cities, but the strike zone will shrink significantly in the coming days. For most individuals, the probability of being hit will drop to zero as the satellite descends.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of satellite re-entry dynamics
  • Familiarity with NASA's satellite tracking systems
  • Knowledge of materials used in satellite construction
  • Awareness of orbital mechanics and trajectory calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the effects of satellite debris on Earth and safety measures
  • Learn about NASA's satellite tracking and prediction tools
  • Study the materials used in satellite construction and their properties
  • Explore the principles of orbital mechanics and re-entry trajectories
USEFUL FOR

Space enthusiasts, aerospace engineers, safety regulators, and anyone interested in satellite technology and its implications for Earth. This discussion is particularly relevant for those monitoring satellite re-entries and their potential hazards.

  • #61
jambaugh said:
That's a 1 in 3200 chance that someone somewhere in the world will be hit by the debris.
Now take that fraction and divide by the world population. Not quite so scarey.
Well, if you are one of the lucky ones to see the debris fall, your chances of being hit are 1 in 3,200. So, I plan to gather 3,200 other people and I'll be the 3,201st, therefor...SAFE!.
 
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  • #62
Don't... you... ever... make a thread with that title ever again... :mad:
 
  • #63
micromass said:
Don't... you... ever... make a thread with that title ever again... :mad:
really sorry

So 2 hours notice if you are in the fallout area. They said it could happen Friday morning. Give or take a day. Who's going to watch for the alert?

Om, Char and lisab need not worry, the debris will go right over them and make a beeline for me. Unfortunately, dlgoff lives near me...
 
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  • #64
Evo said:
Well, if you are one of the lucky ones to see the debris fall, your chances of being hit are 1 in 3,200. So, I plan to gather 3,200 other people and I'll be the 3,201st, therefor...SAFE!.
I feel much better now. Thanks Evo. :!)
 
  • #65
Evo said:
really sorry

So 2 hours notice if you are in the fallout area. They said it could happen Friday morning. Give or take a day. Who's going to watch for the alert?

Om, Char and lisab need not worry, the debris will go right over them and make a beeline for me. Unfortunately, dlgoff lives near me...


No! What of Roger and Mabel?!

Find a mountain! Quickly!
 
  • #66
...the expected landing zone covers around 500 miles stretching from Northern Canada to the southern end of South America.
I was away for two weeks.

Did the Earth shrink dramatically while I was gone??



P.S. Anyone have a map of the proposed impact ellipse?
 
  • #67

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  • #68
Lol, Evo on friday:
evoonfriday.jpg


Taken from the attachment.
 

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  • #69
Engineers have quietly said in the past that falling space junk is more of a public relations problem than an actual threat. We think of ourselves as living on a crowded planet, they say, but it's perhaps surprising how much elbow room there is.
See, it's only a public relations problem rather than an actual threat, i.e., it's not like congress. :biggrin:
 
  • #70
KrisOhn said:
Lol, Evo on friday:
evoonfriday.jpg


Taken from the attachment.
I like that! That really captures Evo.
 
  • #71
krisohn said:
lol, evo on friday:
taken from the attachment.
lol!
 
  • #72
Astronuc said:
See, it's only a public relations problem rather than an actual threat, i.e., it's not like congress. :biggrin:
Small comfort when that public relations problem knocks down your front door during dinner time.
 
  • #73
Astronuc said:
See, it's only a public relations problem rather than an actual threat, i.e., it's not like congress. :biggrin:
Funny. When Sky Lab was on its way to reentry, my NASA engineer friend called from Huston and since I live in Kansas I should duck.
 
  • #74
KrisOhn said:
Lol, Evo on friday:
evoonfriday.jpg


Taken from the attachment.

That's her PF ban-bat. :biggrin:
 
  • #75
Astronuc said:
I like that! That really captures Evo.

Hahaha, right before she swings, misses and hits herself in the ankle.
 
  • #76
KrisOhn said:
Hahaha, right before she swings, misses and hits herself in the ankle.
Buwahahah!

So true. :blushing:
 
  • #77
iin100ts.jpg
 
  • #78
Did anyone else catch in the one video where they said that most of the satellite would burn up when it enters the "Fiery ring the surrounds the Earth"? :rolleyes:
 
  • #79
Janus said:
Did anyone else catch in the one video where they said that most of the satellite would burn up when it enters the "Fiery ring the surrounds the Earth"? :rolleyes:
LOL! NO! Was that the ABC video I posted?

I wonder how long before this becomes a new doomsday scenario on the internet? Perhaps the short time frame isn't worth the effort.
 
  • #80
  • #81
Janus said:
Just to make you feel better. The line they show is for its present orbit at the time. It completes 1 orbit every 96 min, so by the next pass, the Earth would have turned some 24 degrees to the East. In other words, each orbit is shifted over with respect to the Earth and wouldn't pass over you.
Where will it be by this weekend? They're saying between Canada and the southern tip of south America. Is that wrong? (wouldn't be surprised).
 
  • #82
Evo said:
Where will it be by this weekend?

Back in Kansas.
 
  • #83
micromass said:
Back in Kansas.
Oh NO! Now they're saying it might hit Europe!
 
  • #84
Evo said:
Oh NO! Now they're saying it might hit Europe!

How do you say "rut roh" in French?
 
  • #85
Evo said:
Oh NO! Now they're saying it might hit Europe!

Yeey, great fun! :biggrin:
 
  • #86
lisab said:
How do you say "rut roh" in French?

"Le ras reaux"
 
  • #87
QuarkCharmer said:
"Le ras reaux"
:biggrin:
 
  • #88
Evo said:
Where will it be by this weekend? They're saying between Canada and the southern tip of south America. Is that wrong? (wouldn't be surprised).

It's hard to say. Every 96 min. the Earth rotates 24°, so at a latitude of say 45°, that works out to a ~1900 km shift per orbit. So you would have to pin the time down pretty tightly to get a position.

Here's the real time track for the satellite:

http://www.n2yo.com/?s=21701

As I post it is just about to cross the Equator in the Pacific.
 
  • #89
Janus said:
It's hard to say. Every 96 min. the Earth rotates 24°, so at a latitude of say 45°, that works out to a ~1900 km shift per orbit. So you would have to pin the time down pretty tightly to get a position.

Here's the real time track for the satellite:

http://www.n2yo.com/?s=21701

As I post it is just about to cross the Equator in the Pacific.
Oooh! Look at it go!
 
  • #90
The satellite appears to have an orbit that constantly changes??

http://reentrynews.aero.org/1991063b.html

It looks like they moved it up to friday 20hrs +or-

Spread out don't gather in groups. Stay low to the gound and maintain complete silence Or just relax and have a beer. :zzz:

Edit:

Here is a NASA update site (like they really know?)

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/uars/index.html