Satellite constellations threaten to 'obliterate' astronomical observations, study warns

The prospect of launching 1.7 million satellites into Earth's orbit in the coming years poses a significant threat to the field of astronomy, according to a new study. The European Southern Observatory (ESO) has warned that the sheer number of planned bright satellites could jeopardize the existence of telescopes dedicated to observing the universe.

Researchers involved in the study have proposed a limit of 100,000 satellites orbiting Earth to ensure that humanity can continue to effectively explore the night sky. This study marks the first comprehensive assessment of how a large constellation of very bright satellites would impact astronomical observations and potentially brighten the night sky.

Currently, approximately 14,000 satellites orbit the Earth, with a significant portion belonging to Elon Musk's Starlink internet constellation. SpaceX, Musk's company, has announced plans to launch over a million satellites by 2028, intended to serve as data centers supporting the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence.

"When a satellite crosses an area we are observing, it creates a bright streak of light and obliterates whatever is behind it," explained ESO astronomer Olivier Hainaut, who led the study published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics. This phenomenon significantly hinders astronomical research by obscuring celestial objects and phenomena.

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When a satellite crosses an area we are observing, it creates a bright streak of light and obliterates whatever is behind it.