Russian space rocket debris falls over Johannesburg

Russian space rocket debris falls over Johannesburg

The "meteor" sighting in Johannesburg on Sunday is said to be Russian space rocket debris. 

meteor

Damn, it wasn't a meteor or UFO!

Carmel Ives, the vice-chairperson of the Astronomical Society of SA (Assa), confirmed that the debris was from a Russian SL-4 rocket's upper stage.

READ: All 22 bodies located after Nepal plane crash

According to Ives, she could tell it was space junk because of the speed at which it moved. 

“It is space junk rather than a meteor as it is moving slowly, at 20,000 to 30,000km/h, and breaks up into several pieces. Meteors travel at 70,000 to 80,000km/h and appear as a single streak.” 

READ: Virgin Atlantic allows cabin crew to display arm tattoos

Ives spotted the space debris from Midrand on Sunday night. 

Tune in to the 'Breakfast with Martin Bester', weekdays from 06:00 - 09:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.

Follow us on social media:

Image Credit: Supplied

MORE FROM JACARANDA FM


Show's Stories