Astronomers Warn New, Satellite Network Likely , to Interfere With Observations.
Astronomers have warned that a sprawling new satellite
network used to connect with mobile phones is a threat
to their work and humanity's view of the universe.
CNET reports that astronomers say the AST
SpaceMobile Bluewalker 3 satellite appears
brighter than most stars in the night sky. .
The 64-square-meter array of solar panels
and antennas was launched on September 10. .
A study by astronomers at the International
Astronomical Union (IAU) found the satellite to be
almost as bright as the 15th and 16th brightest stars. .
CNET reports that the real concern for astronomers
is that the Bluewalker 3 is a test model for over 100
Bluebird satellites the company intends to launch. .
BlueWalker 3 is a big shift
in the constellation satellite issue
and should give us all reason to pause, Piero Benvenuti, Director of the IAU Center for
the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from
Satellite Constellation Interference, via CNET.
While astronomers have expressed concerns over other
mega-constellations of satellites like SpaceX's Starlink,
AST SpaceMobile's satellites pose an additional problem.
While astronomers have expressed concerns over other
mega-constellations of satellites like SpaceX's Starlink,
AST SpaceMobile's satellites pose an additional problem.
The Bluebird satellites emit strong radio
waves which could cause further interference
with astronomical observations. .
Astronomers build radio telescopes as far
away as possible from human activity,
looking for places on the planet where
there is limited or no cell phone coverage. , Philip Diamond, Director of the Square Kilometer Array
Observatory in South Africa and Australia, via CNET.
New satellites such as BlueWalker 3
have the potential to worsen this situation
and compromise our ability to do
science if not properly mitigated, Philip Diamond, Director of the Square Kilometer Array
Observatory in South Africa and Australia, via CNET