Andy’s Astronomy: Mystery Surrounds Old Spy Satellite

Need to call Sherlock Holmes.

Information released late last week indicates that a US satellite has mysteriously broken into pieces.

Apparently the satellite, which has been in space for nearly 40 years, broke apart on Sept. 13, as reported by Space Force. However, why the satellite broke apart remains unknown.

Known as USA 32 or NORAD 19460, the satellite was launched into space in 1988. It was a spy satellite operated by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).

Kept in Low Earth Orbit, it was noted the primary functions of the satellite had to shifted to more modern satellites.

USA 32 weighed nearly 3,200 but the pieces are reported as not posing any threats.

The question that remains is what happened, and that is currently unknown.

Early meteors from the Orionids Meteor Shower have been reported.

Peak activity of the meteor shower is forecast during the overnight hours of Tuesday, Oct. 21 to Wednesday, Oct. 22. Generally, the shower produces 10 to 20 meteors per hour at peak activity but upon occasion delivers many more. The Moon will be waxing gibbous at about 75 percent illuminated. This will wash out some of the fainter meteors but the shower should still produce a good show.

The Orionids Meteor Shower will end on Nov. 7.

The Coca Cola Space Science Center has scheduled Astronomy Night 7 pm Saturday, Oct. 17, at the center located at 701 Front Avenue in Columbus. It promises to be a fun event to attend.

Spend more time looking at the night sky instead of your phone.

Meteors can flash across the sky anytime, day or night, and they are spotted quite often. Particularly bright meteors are often referred to as fireballs.

The American Meteor Society webpage suffered a cyberattack that took much of the site offline. The site is currently being rebuilt with reports of fireballs taking priority, Anyone seeing a fireball is urged to report the sighting to https://amsmeteors.org

Going outside and looking at the night sky can be fun and educational for the entire family. There are a number of free apps available to help identify stars and constellations, and some of the apps show satellites.

Happy skywatching!