A computer generated image showing objects that are being tracked in low earth orbit (Source)
I've put my space nerd head on for this post but I hope you will find it interesting.
Since the launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957, a total of 42,489 objects larger than a softball have been tracked by the SSN (Space Surveillance Network) of which some 18,414 are still in orbit.
These orbiting objects include active and inactive payloads, rocket bodies and associated debris ranging from pieces of broken spacecraft to fuel tanks.
It has also been estimated that there are 500,000 pieces of debris the size of a marble or larger orbiting the earth along with millions of pieces too small to be tracked. Each one of these objects is traveling at 17,500 miles (28163.5km) an hour or 4.8 miles (7.8km) a second! Even the smallest fleck of paint traveling at these kinds of speeds can be lethal to a satellite or astronaut.
The picture at the top of this post shows all the tracked objects in low earth orbit (1200 miles or 2000km above the earth's surface)
The picture below is a polar view of the earth showing the objects orbiting further out as well as those in low earth orbit. Particularly evident is the geosynchronous belt where many communications satellites reside.
An oblique view of the earth showing the geosynchronous orbit but also the objects high in the northern hemisphere. These are mostly Russian satellites that have a unique orbit due to the higher latitudes of much of the Russian landmass.
As can be seen from these images space, or at least our small corner of it, is a crowded place.
This video produced by NASA gives a good idea of the objects in earth orbit.
In part 2 I will be looking at the potential dangers of debris in the space environment and what it could mean for all of us down here on earth.
Competition.
If you are an established or budding poet why not take part in my competition with prizes totaling 30 Steem. Just follow this link for full details.
Also please consider following me (I will reciprocate). Some of my posts are about mental health issues while others cover a wide range of subjects. For a taster of my musings please follow these links:-
A Dome For All Seasons - Part 1
A Dome For All Seasons - Part 2 - The saga continues.....
Is social media a force for good?
Sunset over the North Yorkshire Moors
My first attempt at digital art
How too much news may not be good for us
Another one on how dogs can help us
A personal experience of Aspergers’ syndrome
A trip to the historic island of Lindisfarne (Holy Island)
Until next time - take care of yourselves....