Possible space debris re-enters Earth’s atmosphere Tuesday night visible to south of Fond du Lac

Photo submitted by Lindsay Kinley

KFIZ is receiving photos and video of what appears to be some space debris breaking apart and burning in Earth’s atmosphere Tuesday night, January 28, 2025.

No official reports of what it was have been reported yet. KFIZ will update if it’s found out what it was.

This photo was submitted by Melissa Klink who took this photo from the Slinger area.

Space debris reentry is when space objects, such as spacecraft, rocket bodies, and other debris, reenter Earth’s atmosphere.

What happens to the debris?

  • Most debris is too small to survive reentry and is consumed by the upper atmosphere 
  • Larger debris, especially those made of high-melting-point materials, may survive reentry and reach the ground 
  • Most debris falls into the ocean or in uninhabited areas, so the risk to people is low 

How does it happen?

  • Objects gradually reenter the atmosphere due to air drag 
  • The rate of reentry depends on the object’s orbit, altitude, and material