Satellite Light Pollution Threatens Space Telescope Imaging Quality

Light from satellites will ruin the majority of some space telescope images in the next decade, according to a NASA-led study published in Nature. Researchers predict that reflections from the increasing number of satellites in orbit could contaminate more than 95% of images captured by telescopes like SPHEREx, ARRAKIHS, and Xuntian.

Alejandro S. Borlaff, the lead author of the study, stated that if a satellite crosses a prized observation, such as the explosion of a distant star, that critical data would be lost forever. The problem has intensified, with over 10,000 active satellites currently orbiting Earth, primarily from SpaceX's Starlink program.

Borlaff noted that prior to this surge, Hubble Space Telescope images recorded about 4% with satellite streaks, but future estimates suggest at least one in three images may show such interference. He warned that telescope images could be severely impacted, with SPHEREx and others expected to have 96% of their images contaminated.

The American Astronomical Society has raised concerns about the implications of satellite trails, including collisions and glare affecting ground-based telescopes. The International Telecommunication Union has also expressed concerns regarding the rapid increase in satellites, calling for stricter international regulations to manage satellite networks and mitigate risks to space sustainability.

SpaceX has stated it is testing measures to reduce light pollution from its satellites, including darker coatings and visors to block sunlight. NPR reached out to SpaceX for further comments but has not received a response.