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So say the experts of the International Astronomical Union (IAC), which evaluated the near-Earth environment.
By examining SpaceX’s near-Earth launch program the orbit of 30 thousand Starlink communications satellites, the researchers were far from delighted, as these launches will significantly complicate observations of space objects. This is especially true for the dark time of day when the productivity of these works is the highest.
The experts conducted a simulation of the situation in which the group of 25 thousand satellites will be in low Earth orbit, and came to the conclusion that at any moment in time over the horizon will be observed from 1,500 to several thousand Starlink satellites. Most of they will not be visible with the armed eye, however 30% of the photographs, made by ground-based telescopes will be spoiled by moving along firmament satellites.
A photo from open sources
SpaceX is currently working to reduce reflective abilities of Starlink devices, experimenting with various types coatings. According to experts, these events will not do much, so how new satellites will be brighter than other artificial objects, plying in near-Earth space.
There is a theory that interference from the new Starlink satellites can soften if you accurately predict their movement in orbit and a short time to stop observing space objects. By expert opinion, information on the movement of satellites can use for subsequent cleaning of photographs. On the other hand a large number of satellites will only worsen the quality of images, and at the same time, the costs of carrying out astronomical observations.
Representatives of IAC and observatories of other countries pay attention to the fact that there are currently no established international level rules for determining the brightness level Artificial objects in low Earth orbit. Experts intend bring this issue to the attention of the UN.
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