Satellite Companies Respond To Scientists’ Concerns About Light And Environmental Pollution

[+thexfile Subscriber²]

Scientists say that low earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations being built by Amazon, Starlink, and AT&T pose a dire threat to astronomy and scientific research, and that too little is being done to address the issue.

Back in 2022, scientists declared Starlink satellite constellations an “existential threat for astronomy,” noting that the reflection and light pollution (Musk claimed would never happen in the first place) is making it far more difficult to study the night sky, a problem researchers say can be mitigated somewhat but never fully eliminated. That’s bad.

 

https://www.techdirt.com/2024/09/27/low-orbit-satellite-companies-respond-to-scientists-concerns-about-light-and-environmental-pollution-with-even-bigger-brighter-satellites/

[DocM]

Starlink works with the astronomy groups and has significantly modified their satellites to reduce the problem. Amazon and AST are still early in their programs, just starting to watch prototypes. 

FCC is looking at regulating light pollution from satellites, but this won't impact non-US operators. Doubly so for the Chinese, who continue to drop expended rockets on their own villages and have satellites that spew space junk as well. They don't play well with others.

[+Biscuits Brown MVC]

As an amateur astronomer, I can tell you for as bad as low orbiting satellites are, the biggest problem is right here on earth. People seem to think they need more light. Porch lights, security lights, non-shielded street lights, high kelvin temp LED lighting etc. Mankind is rapidly blocking the night sky from below causing way more problem removing satellite trains from digital exposures.