On March 20, astronomers warned that the increasing number of satellites orbiting Earth is causing “an unprecedented global threat to nature” due to light pollution.
In a series of studies published in the journal Nature Astronomy, international astronomers noted that the number of satellites in low Earth orbit has more than doubled since 2019, when the American company SpaceX conducted its first large-scale launch of a “satellite constellation” consisting of thousands of satellites.
Increasing light pollution threatens astronomical activities. (Illustrative photo: Forbes)
A new series of Internet satellite constellations is also planned for early launch into orbit, adding thousands more satellites to the already congested area less than 2,000 km from Earth.
Astronomers pointed out that for every new satellite appearing in low Earth orbit, the risk of collision with another object orbiting Earth increases, leading to more debris.
This could trigger a chain reaction, where consecutive collisions occur, creating even smaller fragments that contribute to the cloud of “space junk” reflecting light back to Earth.
Astronomers warn that the increasing light pollution poses a threat to astronomical activities.
In one study, astronomers indicated that for the first time, they have assessed the financial and scientific impact of a brighter night sky on the operations of a major observatory.
Specifically, through simulations, astronomers determined that for the Vera Rubin Observatory currently being constructed in Chile, the darkest part of the night sky in the next decade will be 7.5% brighter than it is today, meaning the number of stars that Vera Rubin can observe will decrease by 7.5%.
This will extend the survey duration of this observatory by nearly a year, costing an additional $21.8 million.
Mr. John Barentine, co-author of the study and working at the Dark Sky consulting firm (USA), warned of another consequence that cannot yet be quantified due to the brighter night sky – astronomical phenomena that humanity will never be able to observe.
According to him, light pollution has more serious consequences than what humanity can imagine.
Researchers warn that a brighter night sky not only affects astronomical observations but also threatens the “ancient relationship between humans and the night sky.”
Astronomer Aparna Venkatesan at the University of San Francisco emphasized that “the universe is the shared heritage and ancestry of humanity, connecting people through science, art, storytelling, and cultural traditions – and now the universe is in danger.”
In response to this situation, a group of astronomers from Spain, Portugal, and Italy is calling on the scientific community to “stop the assault” on the night sky by limiting satellite launches into Earth’s orbit.
Astronomers warn that losing the inherent naturalness of the night sky worldwide will become an unprecedented global threat to cultural and natural heritage, as well as jeopardize future economic benefits.
