The goal sounds altruistic enough to provide Internet access to remote places on Earth where few terrestrial and satellite networks can reach, as well as future network connectivity to structures that orbit around Earth in outer space. Elon Musk’s Starlink vision, however, has been criticized by the scientific community, especially in the field of astronomy, for polluting the night sky and making it difficult, if not impossible, to have a clear view of celestial objects from the ground. That situation hit hard last week when astrophotographers found their photos of the rare comet Neowise ruined by nearly dozens of SpaceX’s Starlink satellites.
Neowise was the closest to our planet last Thursday, which is when amateur and professional astronomers pulled out their gear to capture this historic moment. Unfortunately, that rare moment was marred by a pair of Starlink satellites that also appeared, leaving streaks as prominent as the comet during the prolonged time of exposure. Photographer Daniel López stacked 17 of 20 shots to show how these satellites collectively photographed the Neowise moment.
It is easy to minimize the situation since the largest and strongest teams are not easily affected by the light rays left by these satellites. However, since Neowise won’t pass as close to Earth for another 6,800 years, it’s not difficult to see how upsetting astrophotographers are. However, even beyond this single instance, there is a growing concern on the part of astronomers about how satellites will affect even larger and more expensive telescopes.
SpaceX, thankfully, is working to address those criticisms by launching satellites that use new parts that block light from their more reflective surfaces. However, that won’t take into account the hundreds of Starlink satellites already in low Earth orbit (LEO) that have been at the center of this latest buzz from the Internet.
Unsurprisingly, there were also those who sided with SpaceX, trying to weigh the long-term benefits for even professional astronomers and astrophotographers with more sophisticated equipment. Those benefits, of course, won’t benefit those who are left with their own devices, literally, on the ground, trying to capture a clear view of the night sky that will soon be rare.
