#AstroMiniBR: Space debris in Earth’s atmosphere!

TecMundo and #AstroMiniBR have selected some of the week’s best astronomical curiosities produced by their collaborators. profile in x To share the fantastic universe of astronomy with you. Check out!

#1: How to access astronomical data observed by telescopes?

Did you know that data collected by major telescopes such as Hubble and James Webb is freely available to the public?

The democratization of astronomical knowledge has reached a new level with the availability of data from specialized platforms such as the Hubble Archive and MAST (Mikulski Archive for Space Telescopes). Offering intuitive interfaces that allow non-expert viewers to explore vast celestial data sets.

These and many other tools often have advanced search and interactive visualization options. allowing enthusiasts, educators and even enthusiasts of all ages to explore the wonders of the universe.

The existence of these resources not only expands the reach of space science, but also inspires a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Cosmos that these space observatories reveal every day.

Additionally, there are ongoing efforts to simplify access to this data as an initiative of various space programs, such as the development of educational platforms and mission-related outreach programs that will provide easy and understandable access to the acquired data and enable scientific discoveries and discovery more easily. Striking images are shared in an inclusive and inspiring way.

#2: Summer solstice in the southern hemisphere

The last days of 2023 brought with them the beginning of summer, marked by the solstice that took place on the 22nd of the month in the southern hemisphere. It is a striking astronomical phenomenon that occurs when the Earth’s axis is tilted in its orbit relative to the Sun.Thus, it will be the longest day of the year in the Southern Hemisphere.

This event, which normally occurs around December 21 or 22, marks the moment when the Sun reaches its greatest declination towards the north, providing the longest day and shortest night of the year in this part of the planet.

The Earth’s axial tilt is vital to this event: At the summer solstice, one of the Earth’s poles (in this case, the south pole) tilts towards the Sun, allowing the sun’s rays to fall more directly on that region. This not only intensifies the heat, but also extends sun exposure, resulting in a longer day of illumination. The maximum duration of sunlight at the summer solstice is a direct result of this axial tilt.

The summer solstice also occurs in the northern hemisphere, but on opposite dates (usually on June 21, when the reverse solstice occurs there). and this is a phenomenon that not only affects the climate but also has various cultural and social consequencesIt is celebrated by many peoples and nations around the world as an important turning point in the astronomical calendar.

#3: Space debris re-entering Earth’s atmosphere

In the last days of 2023, The Internet has been flooded with videos showing the re-entry of space debris seen in the sky over Brazil on the night of December 22.. Residents in many parts of the Northeast were stunned by a massive orb of fire that cut across the sky at around 10:30pm (BRT), leaving a bright trail of debris in its path.

The Brazilian Meteor Observation Network (Bramon) reported receiving reports from Goiás passing through Bahia, Sergipe, Alagoas, Pernambuco, Paraíba, Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte.

After analyzing the images and available descriptions, BRAMON experts concluded that this phenomenon was triggered by the re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere of space debris from the second stage of the Chinese Long March 2C rocket launched 5 years ago on February 25, 2018. . .

The re-entry of the debris occurred at a speed of approximately 26 thousand km/h and was visible from very high altitudes, 110 to 70 kilometers above the ground.

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