NASA UARS Satellite Falling From Space. Be Afraid.

One big chunk, or twenty-six small ones? (Image via Wikipedia)

NASA has announced that a satellite called the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) would be falling to earth on Friday. There isn’t much to worry about though. It weighs six tons, but scientists expect most of it to burn up in the atmosphere.

It will burn up before it lands, except for twenty-six pieces “between tens of pounds to a few hundred pounds” that will hit the earth. These twenty-six are made of metals that have higher melting temperatures than the aluminum parts  that will burn up in the atmosphere. The intent of telling us this is to reassure us. It isn’t reassuring. Let us examine why. Read the rest of this entry »