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https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/01/science/starlink-spacex-astronomers.html
After SpaceX Starlink Launch, a Fear of Satellites That Outnumber All Visible Stars
Images of the Starlink constellation in orbit have rattled astronomers around the world.
By Shannon Hall
June 1, 2019
A constellation of Starlink satellites seen in the night sky over the Netherlands, nearly 24 hours after being launched by SpaceX. By Marco Langbroek Via Reuters
Last month, SpaceX successfully launched 60 500-pound satellites into space. Soon amateur skywatchers started sharing images of those satellites in night skies, igniting an uproar among astronomers who fear that the planned orbiting cluster will wreak havoc on scientific research and trash our view of the cosmos.
The main issue is that those 60 satellites are merely a drop in the bucket. SpaceX anticipates launching thousands of satellites — creating a mega-constellation of false stars collectively called Starlink that will connect the entire planet to the internet, and introduce a new line of business for the private spaceflight company.
While astronomers agree that global internet service is a worthy goal, the satellites are bright — too bright.
“This has the potential to change what a natural sky looks like,” said Tyler Nordgren, an astronomer who is now working full-time to promote night skies.
A view of Starlink’s satellites just before being deployed on May 24. SpaceX
After SpaceX Starlink Launch, a Fear of Satellites That Outnumber All Visible Stars
Images of the Starlink constellation in orbit have rattled astronomers around the world.
By Shannon Hall
June 1, 2019
A constellation of Starlink satellites seen in the night sky over the Netherlands, nearly 24 hours after being launched by SpaceX. By Marco Langbroek Via Reuters
Last month, SpaceX successfully launched 60 500-pound satellites into space. Soon amateur skywatchers started sharing images of those satellites in night skies, igniting an uproar among astronomers who fear that the planned orbiting cluster will wreak havoc on scientific research and trash our view of the cosmos.
The main issue is that those 60 satellites are merely a drop in the bucket. SpaceX anticipates launching thousands of satellites — creating a mega-constellation of false stars collectively called Starlink that will connect the entire planet to the internet, and introduce a new line of business for the private spaceflight company.
While astronomers agree that global internet service is a worthy goal, the satellites are bright — too bright.
“This has the potential to change what a natural sky looks like,” said Tyler Nordgren, an astronomer who is now working full-time to promote night skies.
Link to tweet
A view of Starlink’s satellites just before being deployed on May 24. SpaceX
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