Japan launches satellite to test artificial meteor showers

Japan's space agency has launched a rocket carrying a satellite capable of delivering an artificial meteor shower into our planet's atmosphere.

The aim is to release tiny balls from the micro-satellites in the hope of mimicking shooting stars in the night sky above Hiroshima in 2020.

ALE's website promises "a whole new level of entertainment" through its Sky Canvas project, with future celestial light shows if the Hiroshima display proves successful.

"Sky Canvas, the world's first artificial shooting star project, aims to bring people from allover the world together to witness an unprecedented, collective experience," the site states.

"Using space as our stage, we will constantly strive to bring to life new levels of entertainment. We will use our technical expertise and know-how to contribute to the development of science."