# The Night Sky is Forever Changed: The Impact of Starlink
Written on
The Transformation of the Night Sky
Elon Musk's ambitious project to provide global internet access through Starlink has resulted in numerous artificial lights cutting through the darkness of the night sky.
These satellites, captured in images from a telescope in Chile, mark the beginning of a new era in space utilization.
Krzysztof Stanek, an astronomer at Ohio State University, shared a thought-provoking anecdote about a neighbor's construction project that required notifying residents for objections. “If someone can raise a fuss over a shed that might slightly obstruct my view, why is there no recourse when thousands of satellites are launched?” he questioned. This sentiment resonates with many who feel powerless in the face of such significant changes to our shared celestial view.
The Rise of Starlink
Since last spring, SpaceX has launched numerous small satellites as part of the Starlink initiative, aimed at providing high-speed internet globally.
The first video highlights the emotional connection to the song "Never Enough" from "The Greatest Showman," resonating with those who feel a loss as the night sky changes.
SpaceX's initial launches have dramatically increased the number of visible objects in orbit. Prior to Starlink, there were approximately 200 objects visible to the naked eye; now, that number has surged by another 240. Pat Seitzer, a professor emeritus at the University of Michigan, notes, “These satellites are likely brighter than 99 percent of existing objects in orbit.”
Astronomers have begun sharing images showcasing the stark white streaks of Starlink satellites across their observations, a phenomenon that is poised to escalate as more satellites are launched. This raises critical questions about the future of observational astronomy.
Challenges and Responsibilities
The proliferation of these satellites illustrates a familiar issue: the balance of interests among scientists, commercial entities, and the public regarding space as a shared resource. Historically, astronomers had minimal competition for sky access, but the current influx of satellites presents a unique challenge.
Some experts, like Harvey Liszt, who specializes in radio astronomy, have experienced similar frustrations with earlier satellite technologies. GPS satellites, which began launching in the late 1970s, interfered with radio bands crucial for astronomical observation. Liszt emphasized the need for strict regulations to prevent interference, a principle that has been recognized for over a century.
Before Starlink's deployment, SpaceX collaborated with the National Science Foundation to mitigate potential conflicts with radio astronomy. Unfortunately, there is no equivalent oversight for optical astronomy regarding satellite brightness, leaving astronomers to navigate these challenges largely on their own.
The Visible Impact of Starlink Satellites
From Earth, Starlink satellites appear as bright moving points of light, often mistaken for UFOs. They are particularly visible shortly after launch, before they disperse and ascend to their designated altitudes of around 342 miles (550 kilometers). While they may become less conspicuous over time, they continue to pose challenges for astronomers, particularly during critical observation periods.
Vivienne Baldassare, an astronomer at Yale, expressed her concern about the interference caused by Starlink satellites, particularly when searching for subtle variations in light that could indicate the presence of distant black holes. The challenge lies in the satellites' orbits, which can overlap with optimal observation times for other celestial objects.
SpaceX's Response and Future Outlook
In response to these concerns, SpaceX is actively engaging with leading global astronomy groups to address the impact of their satellites. One satellite launched in early January featured an experimental coating designed to reduce its reflectiveness, though its efficacy will only be determined once it reaches its final orbit.
As SpaceX continues its aggressive launch schedule, aiming to deploy over 1,500 satellites in 2020 alone, the landscape of the night sky is set to change dramatically. Other companies, such as OneWeb and Amazon, are also preparing to launch their own satellite constellations, further complicating the situation.
While some astronomers advocate for a halt in Starlink launches until solutions for brightness issues are found, others believe a balance could be struck with a limited number of satellites. The urgency to collaborate with satellite operators to minimize brightness is paramount.
The second video provides an official lyric video of "Never Enough," emphasizing the emotional weight of astronomical observations being overshadowed by technological advancements.
The Future of Astronomy in a Crowded Sky
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has already approved plans for 12,000 Starlink satellites, with aspirations for an additional 30,000. Without adequate regulatory frameworks in place to address the brightness of these satellites, the implications for the night sky could be profound. Critics argue that the environmental impact of these bright satellites should have been assessed prior to their launch.
While the concerns of astronomers may seem trivial to some, the impact of these satellites on the natural beauty of the night sky is significant. Stanek aptly noted that everyone on Earth will inevitably have to contend with the presence of Starlink satellites. “We cannot choose to opt-out,” he remarked, highlighting the shared nature of our celestial environment.
In conclusion, as the landscape of our night sky evolves, the intersection of technology, astronomy, and regulatory frameworks will become increasingly vital in preserving the beauty of the cosmos for future generations.