Japan launches satellite to test artificial meteor showers

The ALE satellite, launched on January 18, aims to create artificial meteor showers by releasing small metal pellets into Earth's atmosphere. These pellets will travel a significant distance before becoming visible for a few seconds. The first show is planned over Hiroshima, potentially visible to millions within a 200 km radius.

What is the primary purpose of the satellite launched by ALE?

• To monitor space debris

• To study Earth's atmosphere

• To provide global internet coverage

• To create artificial meteor showers

How far do the pellets travel around Earth before entering the atmosphere?

• 1/3 of the way

• 1/2 of the way

• 1/4 of the way

• 1/5 of the way

How many pellets are typically released during a meteor shower show?

• 1 to 5

• 5 to 20

• 20 to 50

• 50 to 100

For how long are the pellets visible during the meteor shower?

• 3 to 10 seconds

• 10 to 20 seconds

• 20 to 30 seconds

• 1 to 2 seconds

Where is the first artificial meteor shower by ALE planned to be visible?

• Osaka

• Hiroshima

• Kyoto

• Tokyo