Observations have been ruined; scientific satellites with the right-of-way have had to alter course. Here's a how-to guide to doing better.
A pair of nearly simultaneous and parallel Iridium satellite flares, on October 9, 2017, as theydescended into the north The left or westerly flare was much brighter and with a sharp rise and fall in brightness. The Iridium constellation is one of the most prominent in the sky, but consists of only 66 total satellites that aren't always bright, but simply flare periodically and in a predictable fashion.
But once they're raised to their operational altitude of 550 km, they become a much more permanent problem. In addition, public awareness will drop, but they will remain visible to all binoculars and telescopes: the astronomer's most essential tools. Every moment that these satellites are up there is the astronomical equivalent of callously
. Part of the problem with these new satellites is that they're both large and highly reflective. But these problems are unnecessary: they're choices. Choosing a different design, where the satellites can be oriented to minimize the impact on astronomy, would ameliorate the problem. Even more cost-effectively, simply coating the satellites with a very dark, low-albedo outer layer would go a long way to reducing the astronomically polluting effects of this constellation.
. One of the worst things about these satellites is that they come without predictable trajectories. If their paths were known, astronomers could schedule observations that absolutely minimized their impact on the science, making good use of every moment of good seeing.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Elon Musk's WiFi Satellites Are Blocking Astronomers' Views Of The SkySpaceX launched 60 WiFi satellites last week, and hopes to launch thousands more.
Read more »
Elon Musk to face trial over 'pedo guy' tweets after court denies motion to dismiss lawsuitThe Vernon Unsworth case is one of several legal actions faced by Tesla and its mercurial CEO in the last few years. A trial is slated to begin Dec. 3.
Read more »
Elon Musk tweets congratulations to Ford over its all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUVFord unveiled its all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E crossover SUV on Sunday, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk sent out a congratulatory tweet following the announcement.
Read more »
30 Things That Will Basically Transform You Into A Morning PersonI...am wide awake.
Read more »
Gatecrashers trash Airbnb house during all-night party, cause more than $30,000 worth of damage'Police shut down the party with up to 80 youths dispersing from the house at about 6 a.m. on November 17. The house sustained major internal damage,' a Victoria Police spokesperson said.
Read more »