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These red glows, visible to the naked eye and caused by the reentry of Falcon 9 rockets, are transforming the ionosphere and creating a unique spectacle that lasts up to 10 minutes. Discover how Elon Musk's SpaceX is revolutionizing the sky and science.
This spectacle, dubbed “SpaceX auroras,” is becoming more and more frequent thanks to Elon Musk’s SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets. But what exactly causes this phenomenon? Is it something dangerous or just a science show? Let’s explore it together.
Despite the name, these “auroras” are not are phenomena natural phenomena such as the aurora borealis. The term was coined by astronomers to describe the red flashes that appear in the sky during the reentry of Falcon 9 rockets. These luminous holes are actually temporary perforations in the ionosphere, the layer of the atmosphere rich in ionized gas.
Imagine a stone being thrown into a calm lake, creating temporary ripples that soon disappear. Something similar happens when the Falcon 9 engines are restarted, releasing vapors that temporarily alter the chemical composition of the ionosphere.
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How do these SpaceX 'auroras' happen?
The phenomenon occurs at an altitude of about 300 km, where the ionosphere is made up of charged particles. During the reentry of the second stage of the Falcon 9 rocket, the engines restart for just two seconds. This brief moment is enough to release about 200 kg of water vapor and carbon dioxide. These substances reduce local ionization by up to 70%, creating a red glow visible to the naked eye.
O most critical moment is when the rocket leaves its orbit and begins to disintegrate upon re-entering the atmosphere. The interaction of the gases released with the particles in the ionosphere creates the chemical change that results in the fluorescent red glow.
The reaction between water vapor and ions in the atmosphere generates a disturbance that lasts up to 10 minutes. The effect, although impressive, does not pose a danger to health or the environment, since the gases recombine quickly.
A spectacle visible to the naked eye
The most incredible thing about this phenomenon is that it can be observed without the need for equipment. Those who live in less urbanized areas have a better chance of seeing the “SpaceX auroras” lighting up the sky. Amateur astronomers report that these flashes occur two to five times a month, depending on the frequency of launches.
If you see one of these flashes, you're witnessing a rare event, but one that's becoming more common due to SpaceX's frenetic pace. In 2023, the company completed more than 90 launches, accounting for 80% of the mass sent into space that year.
The impact of releases
While impressive, these punctures in the ionosphere are temporary and quickly disappear. Scientific studies confirm that the gases released reionize within minutes, without causing permanent damage to the atmosphere or climate.
Compared to other rockets, the Falcon 9 stands out not only for the frequency of its launches, but also for the efficiency of its reusable technology. This significantly reduces the environmental impact compared to disposable rockets of past decades.
Elon Musk's SpaceX: Revolution in Space and the Sky
Elon Musk’s SpaceX isn’t just responsible for spectacular displays in the sky, it’s also revolutionizing the aerospace industry. With more than 5.500 Starlink satellites in operation and a goal of reaching 12 in the coming years, the company is transforming the way we connect with and explore space.
This high frequency of launches has made the “SpaceX auroras” a unique phenomenon and, in a sense, a symbol of the company’s impact on science and society.
Elon Musk's SpaceX rockets are literally changing the way as we look at the sky. The “SpaceX auroras” are a visual reminder of how science and technology can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. So the next time you see a red glow in the sky, know that you are witnessing not only a spectacle, but also the future of space exploration. Fascinating, right?
