As the planet plows through those dusty patches, our atmosphere incinerates the tiny particles, setting off annual shows of celestial fireworks we call meteor showers. But even small clouds of cosmic dust can be hazards to satellites, not to mention the risks posed by uncharted streams of meteorites.
Collisions can electrify satellites, scramble computer software and trigger false signals.
When satellite operators know Earth will be passing through a particularly dusty region of space, they can safeguard their equipment. A team of NASA engineers is testing a prototype radar system to help provide an early warning. The trails are full of ionized gases that reflect radio waves. The radar records about 200 echoes per hour on an average day, said Suggs. Accurately forecasting conditions along Earth's celestial pathway requires a global effort.