SpaceX satellites falling out of orbit after solar storm

 

Up to 40 of the 49 SpaceX small satellites launched last week have either reentered the atmosphere and burned up, or are on the verge of doing so. 

SpaceX says that the deorbiting satellites "pose zero collision risk with other satellites and by design demise upon atmospheric reentry [burn up] — meaning no orbital debris is created and no satellite parts hit the ground." 

Because these satellites (no matter their size) are made with high-tech components, when they burn up they create a chemical stew that falls to Earth and is spread by the winds. The toxic elements get into the water, our air and our bodies.

Astronomers are distressed that these mega satellite constellations will ruin nighttime observations from Earth. The International Astronomical Union is forming a new center for the protection of dark skies.