A new generation of SpaceX’s Starlink satellites is reportedly disrupting radio astronomy, hindering scientists’ ability to observe the universe, according to researchers at the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON). The interference from these satellites is proving to be a significant obstacle for astronomers, who are raising concerns about the impact on their research.
The issue stems from the second generation of Starlink satellites, which are emitting radio waves that are overpowering and obscuring the signals from distant celestial objects. According to ASTRON, the interference from these newer satellites is 32 times stronger than that from the first-generation models. This radiation exceeds the limits set by the International Telecommunications Union, the industry body responsible for regulating satellite emissions.
Professor Jessica Dempsey, director of ASTRON, highlighted the severity of the issue. “Every time more of these satellites are launched, we see less and less of the sky,” she told BBC News. Dempsey explained that the interference affects critical areas of research, including the study of black hole jets, early galaxies, and exoplanets. The increased brightness of the Starlink satellites is akin to comparing the faintest visible stars to the brightness of the full Moon, according to Cees Bassa, lead author of the study.
The study, conducted using the LOFAR radio telescope, found that almost all observed V2 Starlink satellites emitted unintended electromagnetic radiation, which was about 10 million times brighter than the weakest known sources of light. This level of interference is alarming as it threatens the integrity of ground-based astronomical observations across various wavelengths.
SpaceX, which operates Starlink, has not yet responded to requests for comment from BBC News. However, the company has previously engaged with astronomers about the interference from its first-generation satellites, though the newer models appear to be even more problematic.
The research published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics underscores the urgent need for regulatory measures to mitigate the impact of satellite constellations on scientific research. With predictions that the number of satellites in orbit could exceed 100,000 by 2030, the potential for further interference grows.
Professor Dempsey advocates for regulatory action and technical solutions, such as improved shielding of satellite components, to reduce radiation. Without these measures, astronomers fear that the night sky will become increasingly dominated by artificial signals, overshadowing the natural celestial wonders.
The findings highlight a growing tension between the expansion of satellite networks and the preservation of scientific observation, underscoring the need for a balanced approach to space exploration and research.
