NASA flags rising risk as Starlink-type constellations threaten 40% of hubble photos
Simulations show two satellites per Hubble exposure. China’s Xuntian telescope may see 92 satellites. Its wide view makes it more vulnerable now.
A rising tide of new satellites is now reshaping the night sky, and astronomers fear their view will only get worse. What happens when the tools built to study the universe face increasing limits from Earth’s own creations?
Satellite streaks worry space scientists
A new Nature study raises fresh concern. Hubble faces rising satellite trails soon. Researchers say nearly 40% images risk streaks. Other telescopes may face worse interference. Three observatories could see 96% images affected. Scientists fear huge loss of cosmic detail ahead. Does this threaten key astronomical discoveries now?
Researchers warn faint objects may vanish completely. Hazardous asteroids could slip past detection. Exoplanet signals may fade with passing satellites. Faint cosmic events may drown in stray light. Why is this rising risk increasing so fast?
Sky gets crowded with fast-growing constellations
Satellite numbers have soared in recent years. ESA reports 5,000 satellites orbiting in 2019. That number stands above 15,800 today. Planned launches may push totals above 500,000. Hubble once saw 4.3% images with streaks. That figure came from 2018 to 2021. Could future exposures face multiple crossings now?
Simulations show two satellites per Hubble exposure. China’s Xuntian telescope may see 92 satellites. Its wide view makes it more vulnerable now. Hubble sees narrower regions and avoids some clutter. Distant telescopes like Webb stay mostly safe. But will that safety last as numbers rise?
Scientists ask how to protect future astronomy
Bright trails reflect sunlight, moonlight or Earth-glow. Those streaks wash out subtle starlight changes. Exoplanet dips could vanish in a single pass. Key data gets lost once a streak appears. Can designers make satellites darker without harm?
Attempts produced mixed and risky results. Darker satellites gained higher heat absorption. Hotter designs released more infrared light. That created new interference for telescopes. Could scheduling observations solve the challenge soon?
Researchers test observation windows with fewer satellites. Crowded skies make that plan difficult now. Experts say real solutions need global action. Governments, agencies and companies must coordinate closely. Could orbit changes reduce the impact effectively?
Lower altitudes may protect sensitive observatories. New rules could limit dense mega-constellations. Lead author Alejandro Borlaff stresses urgency today. “There has to be an optimal way,” he says. How long before the window to act closes?
