Experience the world’s first human-made meteor shower with Sky Canvas, a groundbreaking project by Japanese start-up ALE. Scheduled for 2025, this spectacular display aims to gather crucial atmospheric data from the mesosphere to improve climate models and contribute to sustainable development [3]. Founder and CEO Dr. Lena Okajima envisions combining climate research with captivating space entertainment to inspire curiosity and interest in people worldwide [3].
Originally planned for 2020, the launch was postponed due to a satellite malfunction [3]. ALE’s innovative approach involves using 1cm metal-based shooting star particles, which will be placed in small satellites and sent into orbit [3]. Once stabilized, these particles will be released at an altitude of 400km above Earth, traveling a third of the way around the planet before burning up upon entering the atmosphere at an altitude of 60-80km [3].
Through Sky Canvas, ALE plans to collect valuable data such as wind speed and atmospheric composition [3]. Although ground-based experiments have successfully produced multiple colors, it remains uncertain if multicolored shooting stars can be created in orbit [3]. With the anticipation building, Sky Canvas promises to be a breathtaking blend of science and wonder.
References:
[1] SKY CANVAS – The World’s First Human-made Shooting Star
[2] Sky Canvas: First Human-Made Multi-Colored Meteor …
[3] World’s first artificial meteor shower getting ready for launch
