Drawing a Line in the Sky: Astronomers Confront Satellite Threat

The sky is changing. As many astronomers and backyard onlookers have noticed, a number of unfixed “stars” have recently appeared. These moving blips are Starlink satellites, launched by the SpaceX corporation with the aim of providing high-speed internet to remote regions of the planet. Currently, about 600 Starlink satellites are in orbit, but SpaceX—as well as other companies—plan to fly many thousands more. These so-called satellite constellations could have a severe impact on astronomical observations. The astronomy community has now released recommendations for both the satellite industry and sky observers that could reduce the chances that a satellite “photobombs” a telescope image.