With the fast expansion of commercial area, there is a growing variety of satellites in orbit around our planet. Many of these remain in low-Earth orbit, which is becoming progressively crowded. This has actually led some to be concerned about a disastrous increase of space particles, in addition to a growing aggravation by astronomers due to the variety of satellite sky tracks.
With the fast growth of business space, there is a growing number of satellites in orbit around our planet. Presently, the biggest gamer is the SpaceX Starlink project, which presently has more than 1,700 satellites in low-Earth orbit. While the impact of these satellites on astronomy isnt severe yet, it will be quickly, as a current study shows.
Painting the satellites and including reflective panels might reduce their brightness, especially at infrared wavelengths that are crucial for near-Earth asteroid detection. It is clear we will quickly need to make some hard choices about satellite Internet.
Presently, the biggest player is the SpaceX Starlink job, which presently has more than 1,700 satellites in low-Earth orbit. The visibility of these satellites will likewise posture severe challenges to vital astronomy. While the effect of these satellites on astronomy isnt serious yet, it will be soon, as a recent study shows.
A Starlink satellite path seen across the Andromeda Galaxy. Credit: Caltech Optical Observatories/IPAC
Released in Astrophysical Journal Letters, the study looks at the number of Starlink tracks seen in images captured by the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) at Palomar Observatory. Most of the streaks were seen in twilight images taken near sunset or dawn. In 2019 only half a percent of golden images had streaks, but they are now seen in about 1 of every 5 twilight images.
The authors point out that this number of streaks isnt high enough to significantly affect the search for possible asteroid accidents. As the number rises to 10,000 or 15,000, astronomers will start to miss out on some asteroids. Painting the satellites and including reflective panels might lower their brightness, particularly at infrared wavelengths that are crucial for near-Earth asteroid detection.
It is clear we will soon need to make some hard options about satellite Internet. While it might expand human connection to even the poorest and most remote areas of the world, it might also ruin our ability to see the paradises and more deeply comprehend deep space we call home. If we do not set our standards and priorities soon, SpaceX, Amazon, and other mega-companies will make the choice for us.
Recommendation: Mróz, Przemek, et al. “Impact of the SpaceX Starlink Satellites on the Zwicky Transient Facility Survey Observations.” The Astrophysical Journal Letters 924.2 (2022 ): L30.
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