Friday, September 23, 2011

Falling Satellite to Strike the Earth Today

Falling Satellite to Strike on Earth Today, US Safe. Philippines Not.

Falling satellite image by NASA

The school-bus size falling satellite is expected to strike its way into Earth’s atmosphere today according to predictions made by NASA.

According to the agency, the falling satellite known as Upper Atmosphere Research (UARS) is expected to break into about 26 pieces as it re-enters Earth, will not hit North America but will most likely come down over Canada, Africa, Australia, the Philippines or in big oceans.

As posted in NASA's official website on Thursday, September 22, 2011, UARS is being estimated
at 115 miles by 120 miles (185 km by 195 km). It will most likely to hit the Earth sometime between the afternoon of September 23 until 3 a.m. of September 24, Eastern Daylight Time.

During that time period, the satellite will be passing over Canada, Africa and Australia, as well as vast areas of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans.” the website said.

As of 7 p.m. EDT on Sept. 23, 2011, the orbit of UARS was known to be 90 miles by 95 miles (145 km by 150 km), with NASA emphasizing that the risk to public safety is very remote.

NASA has forecast a 1-in-3,200 risk that debris from the satellite could hurt someone but the public is being advised not to touch any any suspected part of UARS debris.

Photo Credit: Space.com

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