SpaceX launched 49 more satellites last week to join a growing list of more than 1,800 satellites. The Elon Musk-owned company has been approved to build a total of 12,000 Starlink satellites to provide broadband connectivity. But more and more satellites are coming from not just SpaceX but other companies, and astronomers are increasingly concerned.
To help address astronomical observations in dense space with satellites, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) launched the IAU Centre for Protecting Dark and Quiet Skies from Satellite Constellation. The center aims to help solve these problems, not only by astronomers, but also by satellite operators from different countries.
“The International Astronomical Union believes in the principles of dark and radio quiet skies, which are essential not only to advance our understanding of the universe, of which we are a part, but also to the cultural heritage of all mankind and the protection of nocturnal wildlife, “The International Astronomical Union said in a statement.
Satellite constellations affect astronomical observations because they reflect sunlight and leave bright spots. Anything astronomers observe in the night sky can be disturbed by these light streaks. The concern was particularly raised by the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) at the Palomar Observatory in California, which said twilight observations were affected by the bright appearance of Starlink satellites. That could make searching for objects like comets and asteroids difficult.
The International Astronomical Union hopes the center will help address questions about the growing number of satellite constellations. It will provide information and resources on “the negative effects of satellite constellations on terrestrial optical and radio astronomy observations and human enjoyment of the night sky.”
The centre has already received positive feedback from other astronomical organisations including the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS). Members of the center are primarily located in Tucson, Arizona, USA, and Jodrell Bank, near Manchester, UK, but it will cater to institutions and individuals worldwide.
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