Musk's #satellites 'blocking' view of the #universe

by Georgina Rannard
September 18, 2024

"#RadioWaves from #ElonMusk’s growing network of satellites are blocking scientists’ ability to peer into the universe, according to researchers in the Netherlands.

"The new generation of Starlink satellites, which provide fast internet around the world, are interfering more with #RadioTelescopes than earlier versions, they say.

"The thousands of orbiting satellites are 'blinding' radio telescopes and may be hindering astronomical research, according to Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (#ASTRON).

"#SpaceX, which owns Starlink, has not replied to a request from BBC News for comment.

"The satellites provide broadband internet around the world, often to remote places, including challenging environments like Ukraine and Yemen.

"They are also used to connect remote areas of the UK to fast internet. In 2022 tests showed that Starlink could deliver internet speeds four times faster than the average, according to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

"But astronomers say this comes at a cost.

"'Every time more of these are launched with these kinds of emission levels, we see less and less of the sky,' Professor Jessica Dempsey, director of ASTRON, told BBC News."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy4dnr8zemgo

#DarkSkies #SpacePollution #SpaceJunk #SignalToNoise #TurnOffTheNoise #TooManySatellites #KesslerEffect #KesslerSyndrome