IAU assesses ‘mega-constellations’
The International Astronomical Union published a major review
on 12 February, assessing the
impact of ‘mega-constellations’
of satellites, such as SpaceX’s Starlink, on the night sky.
These networks consist of tens
of thousands of spacecraft,
working together to bring internet access to remote areas
across the globe, but astronomers fear the reflectivity
of these objects could destroy the view of the night sky.
The report found that mega-constellation satellites are most visible close to the horizon as those high in the sky will be hidden in Earth’s shadow during the night. Most satellites will only be visible to the naked eye while in a low orbit just after launch.
Professional observatories, however, will still be
able to see the spacecraft even after they reach their operational orbit. The Vera Rubin
Observatory estimates that 30 per cent of its images taken during twilight with a 30-second exposure could be affected.
The IAU will present these findings to the UN Committee for Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) to bring the issue to the
attention of world governments. www.iau.org