SpaceX's large constellations of bright satellites in low-Earth orbit may affect space discoveries that rely on ground-based telescopes. Experts claimed that it could even shift night sky's appearance as viewed from Earth.
Several people brought up the problem of “latency” for geostationary communication satellites vs. the much smaller radio time delay for megaconstellations in Low Earth Orbit, like @SpaceX #Starlink. I do have some weird thoughts about this (Image: ESA) /1 pic.twitter.com/CxEFPhZUH7 — Dr. Phil Metzger (@DrPhiltill) May 31, 2019
The clutter of bright lights includes SpaceX's Starlink satellites and other possible upcoming satellites set to be deployed in the future. Experts claimed that the constellation would have an additional 107,000 low-Earth orbit satellites in the next decade.
The astronomy community is worried about the 60 Starlink communication satellites that were launched on a single rocket. The American Astronomical Society stated that before the satellites' deployment, SpaceX claimed that they would be just barely visible once they orbit Earth.
However, after the metal space objects were launched, stargazers and astronomers saw that they reflect the sun's light, making the artificial constellations as bright as the stars. AAS explained that the satellites' formation and "strand of pearls" appearance was suspected as UFO sightings since people were not aware that they are so visible in the night sky.
SpaceX's satellites goals and how would it affect future space studies
SpaceX's LEOsats' goal is to provide internet access and communication in underserved and remote areas.
Starlink Satellite Trails over Brazil !!: What are those streaks over the horizon? New Starlink satellites reflecting sunlight. SpaceX launched 60 Starlink communication satellites in May and 60 more in November. These satellites and thousands more are planned by communicati… pic.twitter.com/zcGoy0mU32 — Robert Lufkin MD (@robertlufkinmd) December 10, 2019
"I think it's commendable and very impressive engineering to spread the information and opportunities made possible by internet access," said Megan Donahue, the American Astronomical Society's president.
"But I, like many astronomers, am very worried about the future of these new bright satellites," she added.
Scientists stated that the swarms of satellites' could be brighter than the stars, which could affect how astronomers and other space experts see the night sky during space observations. ASS and the National Science Foundation's NOIRLab brought the astronomy community and satellite operators by conducting the Satellite Constellations 1 workshop in late June.
The workshop's main goal is to help the astronomers understand the satellites' impact and reduce its effect on astronomy.
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Written by: Giuliano de Leon.
