Path of Falling Satellite COULD Hit North America
The out-of-control NASA satellite could hit pretty much anywhere on the globe, the space agency warned Thursday morning, and it “might” hit North America, CNN reported.
The satellite is expected to enter the Earth’s atmosphere Friday evening EST.
NASA said earlier that it will only know where the falling satellite will hit some two hours before the impact. However, even that prediction will have a margin of error of about 6,000 miles. It could be anywhere between the 57th parallel north and the 57th parallel south.
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The satellite is speeding toward the Earth with a velocity of 18,000 mph, according to reports.
The bus-size piece of space equipment is to enter the Earth’s atmosphere and break into about 26 pieces which will shower Earth, creating potential danger as pieces of satellite that might weigh up to 350lb will be scattered across hundreds of miles.
NASA claims that there is only a 1 in 3,200 chance that a piece of the satellite could injure civilians.
The 6 ½ ton satellite ran out of fuel in 2005 and has been descending ever since. It was originally a climate probe called the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS).
Most UARS should burn up during re-entry, but this older type of satellite has many parts that can survive the re-entry and crash into Earth.
The dangerous event is taking place after NASA announced the end of its space program and general winding down of its operation. The final space shuttle launched on July 8 in Florida's Space Coast.
Pilots across the borders were warned to remain cautious about falling pieces of the satellite.
NASA has tried to comfort those worried by saying it expects most pieces to fall in the ocean.
