How can earthquake monitors track space junk like the Chinese module?

Earthquake monitors can detect the sonic booms generated by space debris reentering the atmosphere, using these sound waves to map the object's precise path.

Why is tracking space debris accurately so important?

Accurate tracking is vital to quickly locate potentially dangerous falling debris, especially as Earth's orbit becomes more crowded with satellites.

What are the challenges in tracking space debris?

It is difficult to track debris accurately once it begins breaking apart in the atmosphere, making methods like seismic monitoring crucial.

Home / Science / Sonic Booms Reveal Space Junk's True Path

Sonic Booms Reveal Space Junk's True Path

23 Jan

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Summary

Earthquake monitors can track space junk using sonic booms.
Seismic data pinpointed a Chinese module's path 20 miles off.
This method aids recovery teams for dangerous falling debris.

Sonic Booms Reveal Space Junk's True Path

Scientists have discovered a novel method to track space debris using earthquake monitors that detect sonic booms. This technique proved effective when analyzing the reentry of a discarded Chinese module over Southern California in 2024.

Seismic data from over 120 seismometers accurately mapped the module's trajectory, placing its predicted path nearly 20 miles farther south than orbital radar had estimated. This advancement is crucial for tracking uncontrolled objects plummeting at supersonic speeds.

Lead researcher Benjamin Fernando highlighted the challenge of tracking debris once it begins breaking up in the atmosphere. The study, published in Science, suggests seismic tracking could significantly improve the speed and accuracy of identifying debris fall-out zones.