Starlink has become a very popular name thanks to its satellites that promise faster internet connection in the entire world. However, now, scientists from several countries are concerned about these satellites causing an invisible issue that can affect global astronomy. This issue is not easy to see nor feel, but it can change the way in which we study the universe. So, let’s see a bit more about what’s going on over there.

What’s happening with Starlink 2.0?

The radiotelescopes are tools scientists use to capture very weak signs that come from space. These signs allow them to study far away galaxies, stars, and even the origins of the universe. We could say that a radiotelescope is like a giant ear capable of hearing the softest sounds of the cosmos.

But, now, that ‘’ear’’ is hearing a lot of noises. New studies done with the LOFAR radiotelescope show that the second generation Starlink satellites, called V2-mini, are emitting radio interferences way stronger than the previous ones. In fact, these signs can be up to 32 times more it¡ntense than the ones from the previous generations.

The thing is that these signs interfere with the weak signs that astronomers look for. Basically, scientists explain that it’s like trying to see the weakest star in the sky while someone shines the bright light of the full moon straight at your face. This makes it almost impossible to properly study the universe.

When technology crashes with science

This is the most important part to understand this conflict. Starlink is advancing so fast and launching tens of satellites every week to improve internet connectivity at a global scale. However, science, mostly radioastronomy, needs to work in silence, an electromagnetic silence free from any artificial sound.

Scientists explain that we are reaching a critical point: if we don’t stop these interferences, we could lose the capacity of observing the universe as we have been doing it. Astronomers like Federico Di Bruno, from the SKA Observatory, say humanity is approaching a “turning point”: if we don’t act soon, the damage could become impossible to reverse.

Space companies, including SpaceX, could help a lot in this situation by adding stricter rules to avoid their satellites emit unwanted radiation. There are some positive examples, like ASTRON in the Netherlands, where scientists, companies, and government agencies work together to find solutions. But the problem is that satellite launches are happening very fast, and regulations are not catching up.

No natural sky

Technology and global connectivity are very good things. Nobody wants to lose a service that helps millions of people in the entire world communicate. But scientists remind us that space is not only a commercial area or a place to put satellites, it is a shared home—a place that belongs to everyone.

The unwanted emission from Starlink satellites shows us that if we don’t take action, we could end up seeing a sky controlled by signals created by human beings. So the constellations wouldn’t be natural stars anymore, but groups of satellites shining in the sky.

So…

The Starlink 2.0 case is a reminder that technological progress must co-exist with science and respect for space, and what the second generation Starlink satellites are doing is totally the opposite.

Astronomers are warning us: we should do something about it before it’s too late and we have a sky full of artificial noise. So, they’d better find a balance between global connectivity, astronomy, and sky protection.

We’ll see if we have a solution in the near future and this situation doesn’t stop studying the universe as scientists have done for such a long time.