This cosmic particle was never meant to reach Earth. Now, scientists think they finally know why it did
In 2022, researchers detected a very odd photon from an enormous gamma ray burst that should have been destroyed on its way to Earth
Researchers pursued a pair of satellites reentering Earth's atmosphere in a private jet to study the pollution caused by burning space debris. The satellites, ESA's Tango and Samba, once formed the Cluster constellation and studied interactions between Earth's magnetic field and solar wind. After 25 years, ESA used the satellites' controlled reentry to learn more about satellite disintegration and the chemicals formed during the process.
The international team of researchers chased the satellites, which broke apart and burned up above the southern Pacific Ocean on August 31 and September 1. The aircraft, equipped with 30 cameras and spectrometers, flew within 75 miles of the satellites, observing the spectacular fireballs that lasted tens of seconds, unlike meteors and bolides that last only a few seconds.
The scientists aimed to understand the effects of satellite reentries on Earth's atmosphere, as well as which spacecraft burn up completely and how many fragments may reach the ground. They focused on aluminum, which makes up most of a satellite's body, as it forms aluminum oxide during incineration, potentially causing ozone depletion in the stratosphere.
The researchers captured tens of fragments in unprecedented detail and attempted to trace seven chemical compounds, including aluminum. The data collected will help improve atmospheric physics and chemistry models to better understand the potential risks of the growing satellite industry to the planet and its climate.
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