Astronomers demand limiting satellites in orbit to 100,000 to…
A study by the European Southern Observatory warns about the severe consequences for astronomical science of launching more than 1.7 million satellites.
Global internet connectivity through megaconstellations of satellites in low orbit has revolutionized access to information in rural and hard-to-reach areas. However, this spatial digital network is causing a strong scientific conflict. The European Southern Observatory (ESO) has published a comprehensive report calling on global regulatory bodies to drastically limit the number of satellites in active orbit.
The study warns that, if the launches planned by telecommunications firms totaling more than 1.7 million satellites come to fruition, terrestrial observational astronomy will be practically unusable due to noise from space light pollution.
The Impact on Cutting-Edge Ground Telescopes
Satellite megaconstellations directly interfere with space science in three critical areas:
- Bright Traces of Light: The metal surfaces and solar panels of satellites reflect sunlight back to Earth, ruining deep sky images.
- Radio Frequency Interference: Microwave emissions intended to provide satellite terrestrial internet saturate the bands used by radio telescopes.
- Loss of Asteroid Alerts: Visual obstruction makes early detection of near-Earth objects (potentially dangerous asteroids) difficult.
The Dilemma between Connectivity and Science
The scientific community proposes limiting global constellations to a maximum of 100,000 satellites, also demanding the development of light-absorbing coatings and the sharing of dynamic satellite ephemeris so that telescopes can momentarily pause their shutters when a satellite crosses their field of view.
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