in late 2021, from the European Space Agency (ESA) Scientists have noticed something alarming. scientists around the world magnetic field measuring satellites towards the atmosphere proved to be moving very quickly.
Solar storm drives satellites towards Earth
than before 10 times more This movement of the satellites, which started to move towards the atmosphere at a rapid pace, of the solar cycle coincides with the beginning. Experts say that this situation has some implications for our planet and the spacecraft in its orbit. the beginning of the difficult years thinks it might.
Anja Stromme, ESA’s Swarm mission manager, told Space.com:
In the last five or six years, satellites have been sinking about two and a half kilometers per year. But since December of last year they have been diving almost. The rate of decline between December and April shows 20 kilometers per year.
Satellites orbiting the Earth slow down over time and eventually falling on our planet. Most satellites in the process of entering the atmosphere it burns out. In order to prevent this situation, experts maintain the position of satellites He makes various maneuvers on his behalf.
This gravitational effect is actually space junk gets ahead of it. But satellites so quickly withdraw into the world looks pretty dangerous. It is a matter of curiosity how the experts will follow in this regard.
Scientists explained that this effect is due to solar activity. 11 year solar cycle radiated by the sun solar wind With the increase in the amount of the satellites, the rate of being pushed to the earth also increases. December of 2019 After the last cycle, which ended in May, the solar winds were quite calm.
But since last fall, more and more solar wind it’s coming out. With this sunspots, solar flares, and coronal mass ejections is formed. The upper atmosphere of the Earth has already begun to feel these effects.
Currently, ESA’s satellites are negatively affected by this situation. SpaceX in February due to solar winds 40 Starlink satellites lost. The lower the orbital heights of the satellites, the higher the probability of being affected by this situation. And some satellites can’t escape falling to earth.
This situation lifetimes of satellites negatively affects. Moreover some satellites entering the atmosphere It is feared that it will pose a threat to the world. around the world satellite dump We can show that it will decrease as the positive side of this situation.
So what do you think about the danger posed by satellites and other instruments on the atmosphere? You can share your views with us in the comments section.