NASA Probe to Light the Skies When the Stardust sample return capsule nose dives back to Earth in January, it will become the fastest human-made object to streak through the atmosphere. Scientists and engineers are at the ready to observe the spectacular sky show—and savvy skywatchers can join in on the aerial action too.
According to Stardust officials, the fireball should be visible from San Francisco, shooting over Nevada toward its Utah landing. The artificial meteor is expected to peak in brightness as it penetrates deeper in the Earth's atmosphere, lighting up to roughly the brilliance of Venus for about 90 seconds.
Why will it be so bright?
What energy transformation is happening?

What is The Law of Conservation of Energy?
What energy transformation is being shown?
Why does a pendulum eventually stop swinging?