Japan creates an artificial meteors

Japanese scientists are developing technology to deliver on-demand artificial meteors, which could turn the night sky into a blank canvas.

"Imagine a future where you can use meteors for the international fireworks during a proposal of marriage or at the opening of the memorial," says Shinsuke Abe, Director of research at Nihon University aerospace engineering.

Space entertainment can be shown in the opening of the Olympic games in 2020 in Tokyo. At the same time, in 2018, the company ALE is planning to launch its first satellite into orbit, and will present his debut performance in the same year, when the satellite will reach its position. "We want people to look up and not down to earth," says Abe. "People in Japan are so busy every day, and they need celebration in their lives to bring them closer to nature and allow them to relax."

"A lot of people thought about creating an artificial meteor showers, but Okajima was the first who invested in research," said rie Yamamoto, Director of global strategy. "Okajima watched meteor showers when she was younger that played a role in her inspiration."
Former investment banker with a doctorate in astronomy in 2011 Okajima founded the ALE, having received private funding and cooperation with scientists from three academic institutions.

The creation of man-made meteor show is a significant scientific feat. First, the team will need to launch a satellite into orbit, which for several months will fly, to reach its position at an altitude of about 310 miles (500 km) in the thermosphere. Each satellite will store about 300 to 500 artificial meteors. The satellite will often take place over large cities at night, if necessary, to provide a meteor shower.

The venting device developed by ALE, will be installed on the satellite to extract the artificial granules, which are about 2 inches in diameter. "It's like shooting a bullet from the satellite," says Abe. Each show will present about a dozen of artificial meteors in the night sky. Unlike natural meteors, artificial meteors ALE will glow different colours to create the sky images.

sections: Society, World News