Saturday, May 21, 2011

Metal background in the upper atmosphere

Since the first artificial satellite was launched into Earth’s orbit on 4 October 1957, thousands of man-made space bodies have been put into the Near Space. After being used, and if not being piloted, they are left at the mercy of fate. Because of the planet’s gravitational attraction and atmosphere friction, they gradually go down only to collide with each other and break to pieces. The USA space radar has detected over 10000 satellites, stations, etc. Around 700 of them are used, mostly being in the equatorial orbit and retransmitting TV and radio programmes. More than half of these operating satellites, as well as abandoned ones are at the height of some 900 km. The heaviest space bodies go down faster, and on entering the stratosphere they heat red and burn out. The dissemination of radio waves would be affected by the thousands of metal elements, from an entire satellite to a simple bolt, which enter the ionosphere at the height of 50-350 km above the Earth’s surface. Within this range, short waves, as well as night medium and long waves are reflected. Unfortunately, no one knows the amount of debris and the height it is at. It is claimed that metal pieces and entire satellites help reflect ultra short waves in spring and summer. For sure, the ionospheric conditions are not the natural ones. The fate of many of these satellites and their debris remains unclear since, except for the equatorial ones, the majority has moved along elliptical or heliocentric orbits. In conclusion, the pollution of the ionosphere and the impact on radio waves is a matter of further scientific research. 

(Source : Rumen Pankov, Radio Bulgaria's DX Program)

No comments:

Post a Comment