A Mysterious Glitch in Space: Dead Satellite's Radio Burst

In the vast expanse of space, a dead satellite named Relay 2 made a surprising comeback.

Unexpected Signal Detection

• Astronomers in Australia detected a powerful radio signal in mid-June.
• Initially thought to be an unknown object near Earth.
• The source was much closer than expected.

Relay 2: A Forgotten Satellite

• Launched by NASA in 1964.
• Orbiting Earth as space junk since 1967.
• The signal was so strong it outshone everything else in the sky.

The Signal's Origin

• Detected by the ASKAP radio telescope in Western Australia.
• Initially searching for fast radio bursts from distant galaxies.
• The signal was coming from just 4,500 kilometers away.

The Mystery of the Signal

• Researchers realized the signal was from Relay 2.
• Disappointed at first, but intrigued by the cause.
• The signal was 2,000 to 3,000 times brighter than other radio data.

Possible Explanations

1. Static Electricity Buildup:

   • Similar to static electricity from rubbing feet on a carpet.
   • Sudden release of static electricity on the satellite's metal skin.

2. Micrometeorite Impact:

   • Tiny space rock turning into plasma.
   • Emitting a short burst of radio waves.

The Challenge of Space Junk

• Over 22,000 satellites launched since the Space Age.
• Increasing risk of confusion between satellite bursts and astronomical objects.
• More satellites mean more difficulty in conducting experiments.

Future Implications

• Ground-based radio observations could reveal unusual satellite events.
• Cheaper, easier-to-build devices could be used instead of sprawling telescopes.
• Need for careful analysis to distinguish between astrophysical and man-made radio bursts.