Title: Elon Musk’s Starlink Satellites Leak Radiation, Threatening Radio Astronomy Study
Subtitle: Unintended emissions from SpaceX’s broadband satellites could disrupt deep space research
Date: April 18, 2020
In a recent study conducted by the Netherlands Institute of Radio Astronomy, it has been discovered that Elon Musk’s constellation of broadband satellites, known as Starlink, is leaking radiation. This unintentional emission of electromagnetic radiation could have a negative impact on the study of deep space and hinder radio astronomers’ ability to collect accurate data. Radio astronomy plays a crucial role in examining dark matter and the search for extraterrestrial life.
The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Astronomy & Astrophysics, revealed that out of the 68 Starlink satellites observed over an hour, radiation was detected on 47 of them. Observations were made using the Low-Frequency Array telescope in the Netherlands, the largest telescope of its kind in the world. These telescopes can detect radiation wavelengths from the farthest regions of space.
Scientists detected frequencies from the Starlink satellites ranging from 110 to 188 megahertz, which includes a protected band designated for radio astronomers to study space. The concern lies in the fact that these unintended emissions could disrupt their observations.
Representatives from SpaceX, the company responsible for Starlink, have not yet responded to the concerns raised in the study.
Experts warn that the impact of these unintended emissions from low-orbit satellites like Starlink could be comparable to a disruption in radio signals, similar to a car radio station being interrupted by static interference. As these satellites interfere with faint radio waves emitted by astronomical objects, it poses a significant challenge for scientists.
While remote locations chosen for most radio telescopes minimize these types of interference, low-orbit satellites, including megaconstellations like Starlink, have the ability to traverse any area, including over observational telescopes. The study’s co-author, Federico Di Vruno, expressed concerns that as more low-orbit satellites are launched, the unintended emissions could increase, making it even more challenging to conduct radio astronomy.
Radio astronomy is crucial in studying space’s greatest mysteries, such as dark matter, star formation, and the epoch of reionization. The interference or loss of access to radio astronomy data could hinder scientific advancements in understanding the universe. Additionally, the financial impact of planning and building massive radio telescopes would be significant.
Researchers are collaborating with SpaceX engineers to find ways to mitigate unintended radiation in the future. However, concerns are already rising as Elon Musk plans to send thousands of new satellites into space, potentially causing extreme light pollution that could impact optical telescopes.
The study’s authors emphasize the need for early discussions with satellite operators and regulators to address this issue and find solutions to protect radio astronomy, as it plays a vital role in discovering the existence of extraterrestrial life and expanding knowledge of the universe.