Author Topic: Starlink interferes with astrophysical research (Read 309 times)

Maria Regina · « **on:** January 26, 2020, 06:46:28 PM »

Note:

Because of Starlink, we may not be able to see asteroids that could be on a direct collision course with earth.
For example, Apophis 99942 may strike the earth in 2029. This asteroid will be passing very close to earth.
Starlink may interfere with our visual observations of space.

See: https://www.express.co.uk/news/science/821944/asteroid-impact-earth-nasa-apophis

STARLINK SATELLITES:

SpaceX has an idea: Surround the Earth with 42,000 satellites and provide broadband internet to every corner of the globe. The project is called Starlink--and it could destroy the night sky. Starlink satellites are quite bright. En masse, they have the potential to seriously interfere with research-grade astrophotography. Ulrich C. Beinert was flying in an airplane over the Canada-USA border on Jan. 20th when he got an eyeful:

"From the cockpit of an Airbus A380, I witnessed a train of Starlink satellites pass in their eerie formation," says Beinert. "Quick to grab my camera, I caught this shot with eight of the satellites, then watched as dozens more flew past us in the evening sky."

At the moment only ~180 Starlink satellites orbit Earth, yet they are frequently sighted. Now imagine 42,000. Astronomers could have trouble photographing anything without a Starlink satellite passing through the field of view.

Starlink launches will intensify in 2020, with ~1000 more satellites expected by the end of the year. For the most recent launch on Jan. 6th, SpaceX applied an experimental coating to one of the satellites to dim its brightness. However, preliminary observations by some observers suggest the coating makes little difference. Keep trying, SpaceX!

https://www.spaceweather.com/archive.php?view=1&day=26&month=01&year=2020

Author Topic: Starlink interferes with astrophysical research (Read 309 times)

Maria Regina

Starlink interferes with astrophysical research