Musk’s satellites block the view into space
Radio waves from Elon Musk’s growing network of satellites are interfering with astrophysical research, according to Dutch researchers, the BBC reports.
The new generation of Starlink satellites, which provide high-speed internet around the world, interferes more with radio telescopes than earlier versions, researchers say.
Thousands of satellites in orbit “dazzle” radio telescopes and may interfere with astronomical research, according to the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (Astron). SpaceX, which owns Starlink, did not respond to a request for comment.
Satellites provide broadband Internet around the world, often in remote locations, including challenging environments like Ukraine and Yemen.
The BBC writes that they are also being used to connect remote areas of the UK to high-speed internet. In 2022, tests have shown that Starlink can deliver internet speeds four times faster than average.
However, astronomers say this comes at a price. “Each time more of them are launched with these emission levels, we see less and less of the sky,” said Professor Jessica Dempsey, director of Astron.
“We’re trying to look at things like jets that are emitted from black holes at the center of galaxies. Also, we study some of the earliest galaxies, millions and millions of light-years away, as well as exoplanets,” she said, pointing out the areas affected by satellite radiation.
Astron says the interference of the second generation of satellites, or V2, is as much as 32 times greater than that of the first generation.
Source: Agencies
Photo: Unsplash, Beta_AP
Source: bizlife.rs
