Description
Organisers: Fionagh Thomson, Marieta Valdivia Lefort; co organisers: Leah-Nani Alconcel, Martin Barstow, Lily Beesley, James Blake, Dan Cziczo, Federico Di Vruno, Robert Massey, Lesley Jane Smith
Since 2019, the call to protect Dark and Quiet Skies has gathered significant attention, as the deployment of mega-constellations into low-earth orbit (LEO) escalates - and launch to Very Low Orbit is planned. Satellite launch will only increase as will the reflective sunlight pollution from the orbiting metallic bodies and the noise interference from their broadband transmissions that negatively impacts optical and radio observations, respectively. The astronomy community has made progress, including extensive negotiations with satellite operators. But we need new ideas, collaborations and strategies to move this complex and challenging issue from the sidelines into the spotlight for government and industry.
This session invites abstracts in two different categories on this topic:
(1) Improving technical and legal mitigation strategies
The astronomy community has worked to raise awareness, including partnering with lawyers and social scientists to develop a more holistic approach to find solutions. But more research and collaborations are needed to persuade governments and industry to define mitigation strategies at both technical and regulatory levels. This session aims to continue exploring mitigation strategies for the impact of large satellite constellations in astronomy by presenting more evidence for stricter technical requirements applicable to the design and authorisation of space technologies. We welcome contributions ranging from scientific research and simulations showing data for technical improvements, to suggestions for improvement of regulatory frameworks at both the international and national levels.
(2) Will megaconstellations deliver all their heavenly promises to Earth?
New commercially-led Space wields significant economic and geopolitical power over astronomy. Private venture capitalists and public space agencies project vast economic return on investments and increased jobs. LEO and GEO are protected by international regulations. New Space is painted as a benevolent โecosystemโ serving humanity on Earth, providing important scientific data. At all costs, orbits must be protected. In this global power contest, astronomy is often placed on the sidelines as a non-commercial beautiful scientific endeavour that (when push comes to shove) is secondary to the benefits of New space. But are these promises fact or fiction? This section invites abstracts on the following questions: Is everything launched into LEO/GEO linked to worthwhile scientific or humanitarian endeavours? Is the space sustainability movement designed to benefit both New Space and Astronomy? Are there alternative options to LEO satellites for launching/deploying payloads?
The brightness of satellites as observed from Earth varies significantly with orbital parameters and solar angle, with the brightest satellites leaving trails across astronomical images. This work explores how a satellite's altitude, inclination and structure, as well as the observer's position, affects the apparent brightness of the satellite. Using a rudimentary ray-tracing model that...
Our skies are fundamentally changing as the satellite constellation population rapidly increases. Sun-reflected luminosity from a large number of satellites can produce bright streaks on astronomical observations and impact the pristine appearance of the night sky. Models and data for satellite brightness are being developed to enable mitigation, active avoidance, or use in compliance checks....
The rapid expansion of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite mega-constellations, such as Starlink and OneWeb, has transformed global connectivity but poses a challenge to ground-based optical astronomy. Satellite reflections disrupt imaging pipelines, degrade signal-to-noise ratios, and compromise the scientific output of major observatories, including the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, which is...
Radio astronomy is seeing an exponential increase of satellites in LEO, producing strong signals to communicate with Earth and also unintentional electromagnetic radiation (UEMR) as noise produced by the electronics onboard. These are two distinct effects that need careful consideration: intentional transmissions from satellites are well regulated through the International Telecommunication...
The dark and quiet sky must be protected to avoid deteriorating astronomical research but also for its cultural and societal significance. Consequently, the satellite brightness
characterisation and reduction are covered by the new Zero Debris Charter and ESA's Zero Debris space debris mitigation requirements, and accordingly addressed in the Zero Debris Technology booklet.
ESA is...
The IAU Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference (IAU CPS) was formed in response to ever-increasing numbers of satellites, particularly in low-Earth orbit constellations. It has four hubs, including SatHub, Policy, Community Engagement, and Industry & Technology hubs. Of these, SatHub focuses on observation campaigns, brightness data...
Will megaconstellations/Space deliver all their heavenly promises to Earth?. (with audience Q&A).
New commercially-led Space wields significant economic and geopolitical power over astronomy. Private venture capitalists and public space agencies project vast economic return on investments and increased jobs. LEO and GEO are protected by international regulations.
New Space is painted...
Light pollution is prevalent in the urban environment, which makes night sky observation challenging. Existing studies suggest that they are particularly prominent within 3 metres of the ground level, but the extent of reduction in light pollution away from the ground seems to be understudied. This study investigates the difference in the degree of light pollution between the ground level and...
