STARLINK SATS KILLED DUE TO SOLAR ACTIVITY & ESA'S NEW SUN MONITORING MISSION - VIGIL

Hey Space Placers! 

The Sun 2/9/22

Greg Redfern

WOW!!!! 

40 of 49 SpaceX Starlink satellites recently launched are going to re-enter the atmosphere due to Solar activity swelling the Earth's atmosphere.

More details here.

This highlights how Space Weather, which is caused by the Sun, affects our modern civilization. Our star  is currently in Solar Cycle 25, increasing in solar activity and space weather events as it is progressing towards Solar Maximum which is predicted to occur July 2025. 

There are Sun monitoring satellites and ESA will be adding to this capability with "Vigil".

As humanity prepares to send crewed missions to the Moon, Vigil will become a very important safeguard for their safety as they will be beyond the protection of Earth's magnetic field. 

Monitoring the Sun's activity will be vital to provide as much warning as possible if a threatening solar event is spotted. 

We have much to learn about the Sun and need to protect ourselves while we are doing so.

Sky Guy in VA