Cody Koloski eagerly anticipated witnessing the northern lights above Saskatoon on Monday night. The aurora borealis display began to intensify close to midnight, but was abruptly disrupted by an unexpected sight in the sky. Koloski noticed a bright light moving towards him from the west, initially finding it intriguing but soon feeling a sense of concern about potential meteor strikes. The bright light then fragmented into spinning pieces, leaving a trail resembling orange embers as they streaked across the sky before fading out as they traveled eastward.
This unique occurrence left Koloski awestruck, with the video footage failing to capture the full experience he felt of the event being within reach. His friend, Justin Tan, managed to capture the tail end of the spectacle on his phone, which Koloski shared on the Saskatoon Reddit forum, sparking discussions among viewers. Similar accounts from witnesses in Saskatoon and Calgary also surfaced online.
The phenomenon observed by Koloski was identified by Samantha Lawler, an astronomy professor at the University of Regina, as space debris from a SpaceX Starlink satellite re-entry. Lawler highlighted that the increasing number of Starlink satellites, currently exceeding 8,000, including the one that disintegrated above the prairies, poses concerns about the impact of satellite disposal on the environment.
Starlink satellites, with a lifespan of five years, re-enter Earth’s atmosphere upon reaching the end of their operational life, potentially leaving behind metals. Lawler emphasized the importance of monitoring and reporting any findings of space debris in Saskatchewan to aid research efforts. She encouraged the public to share videos of such events to assist in tracking debris movements and potential impact areas.
Lawler also underlined the growing likelihood of satellite re-entries in Saskatchewan due to Starlink’s orbit, emphasizing the need for sustainable satellite disposal practices. While acknowledging the importance of satellites, she stressed the importance of exploring alternative methods to extend their lifespan and minimize environmental impact, urging for a reconsideration of current satellite deployment practices.
This incident serves as a reminder of the implications of satellite deployment and disposal practices, prompting a broader conversation on sustainable space operations and environmental stewardship.