Orbital decay refers to the gradual decrease in the altitude and velocity of an object in orbit around a celestial body, such as Earth, leading to its eventual re-entry into the atmosphere and potential impact on the surface. This phenomenon can occur due to various factors, including atmospheric drag, gravitational interactions with other celestial bodies, and radiation pressure. As an object orbits, it encounters residual atmospheric particles, which create drag that slows it down, causing its orbit to lose altitude over time. Orbital decay is a significant consideration for artificial satellites and space debris, as it can lead to collisions, disintegration, or uncontrolled re-entries. Understanding orbital decay is crucial for satellite operators and space agencies to manage the lifecycle of orbital assets and mitigate potential hazards associated with space debris.
A recent study conducted by a team of astronomers has proposed a new mechanism for explaining the orbital decay of hot Jupiter exoplanets. The researchers suggest that stellar magnetic fields…