Editor-DN
Radio waves from these satellites are blocking scientists’ ability to peer into the universe.
Elon Musk’s new generation of Starlink satellites is causing concern among Dutch scientists who claim the new satellites will bring high-speed internet worldwide and are proving to be a major distraction for astronomers.
Thousands of orbiting Starlink satellites are “blinding” radio telescopes, potentially harming astronomical research, according to researchers at the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy.Astron). Since these telescopes operate on radio waves to survey the universe, the interference caused by these satellites makes collecting clean data more complicated.
Starlink satellites connect remote areas with broadband internet, be they in difficult situations like Ukraine and Yemen or rural areas of the UK. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport explained how tests carried out in 2022 showed that Starlink could deliver internet speeds four times faster than average.
However, scientists argue that such privilege comes at a significant cost in terms of research.
“With LOFAR (Low Frequency Array), we have started a program to monitor unintended emissions from satellites belonging to different constellations, and our observations show that the second-generation Starlink satellites are more emit stronger and do so over a larger range of radio frequencies than first-generation satellites; Says Cees Bassa from ASTRON (Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy), lead author of the study.
According to one Released by ASTRON, The analysis revealed that these new satellites emit 32 times brighter unintentional radio waves than the first generation, with levels potentially exceeding internationally regulated limits for intentional emissions. Exceeds prescribed interference and even more comfortable ground electromagnetic compatibility standards.
“Compared to the faintest astronomical sources we observed with LOFAR, the UEMR from the Starlink satellites is 10 million times brighter. The difference is similar to the brightness of faint stars and full moons visible to the naked eye. Since SpaceX is approx. Launching 40 second-generation Starlink satellites every week, the problem is getting worse,” added Cees Bassa.
“Humanity is clearly reaching a point where we need to take steps to preserve our skies as a window to explore the universe from Earth. are not interested, so minimizing it should also be a priority in their sustainable space policies,” says Federico de Verono from the SKA Observatory. “Starlink isn’t the only big player in LEO, but they have an opportunity to set the standard here,” he continues.
Researchers stress that second-generation satellites are designed to enhance connectivity and provide communications services, but unintended radio emissions pose a growing threat to the integrity of astronomical observations. As the consequences of such interference become increasingly clear, cooperation among satellite companies, regulatory agencies, and the astronomical community is essential to devise effective mitigation strategies.
