Satellite megaconstellations will threaten space-based astronomy
7 days ago
- #astronomy
- #satellite-constellations
- #space-pollution
- Satellite constellations are increasingly contaminating astronomical observations, affecting both ground-based and space telescopes.
- If proposed satellite constellations are completed, one-third of Hubble Space Telescope images will be contaminated, while other telescopes like SPHEREx, ARRAKIHS, and Xuntian will have over 96% of exposures affected.
- Satellite trails have surface brightness magnitudes ranging from µ = 18 to 23 mag arcsec−2, making them easily detectable in telescope images.
- Mitigation strategies include limiting satellite reflectivity, optimizing satellite orientation, and maintaining open archives of satellite orbital data.
- The study highlights the urgent need for policies to balance satellite industry growth with the protection of astronomical research.