Starlink satellites are seriously disrupting Earth’s orbit, making it very difficult for professional astronomers to study remote planets and stars, scientists have warned. SpaceX has launched its own satellite system, comprising more than 6,000 satellites, with the aim of providing global high-speed internet coverage. However, these satellites are emitting unintended electromagnetic radiation that is interfering with radio telescopes.
One of the key radio telescope networks is the Low-Frequency Array (LOFAR) in Europe, operational since 2012. Jessica Dempsey, director at Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy, explained that signals from LOFAR started being disturbed by Starlink since 2022. At first, the problem was identified as some kind of issue with batteries on early Starlink satellites; astronomers held out hope that things would get better after talking with SpaceX.
Unfortunately, when astronomers revisited their observations in July, they found that newer Starlink V2 Mini satellites were emitting over 30 times more electromagnetic radiation than previous models. These emissions, which are not part of the intended satellite functions, have made it nearly impossible for LOFAR to study faint celestial objects like black holes and exoplanets.
According to Dempsey, it’s like attempting to see a dim star when the full moon is rising close by, blocking your field of vision. Astronomers fear that the planned launch of up to 100,000 satellites by SpaceX may utterly interrupt ground-based observations of the cosmos.
In order to stop further harm to astronomical research, Dempsey and her colleagues have asked for stronger adherence to international standards on protected frequency bands. They have urged that businesses like SpaceX work within the guidelines. The expanding satellite network might effectively put an end to ground-based astronomy if nothing is done.
