Fun Facts with Angus Burns: Satellites play indispensable roles for humanity nowadays
Imagine the implications for formal astronomical observatories if this happens during their precious observation times.
I am sure many readers have looked up at the sky on a clear night and noticed a moving point of light or two moving across the sky that eventually disappears into the distance.
In all likelihood what you observed was a satellite passing overhead in its orbit around the earth.
Satellites play indispensable roles for humanity nowadays – from communications, geo-science and military reconnaissance through to weather, deep space astronomy, solar observations and climate monitoring.
The list is long and complex.
Recently however, some entrepreneurs are seeking to flood the skies with literally thousands of additional satellites primarily to facilitate wide spread internet connectivity and associated communication.
Whilst the intentions behind this appear to be fairly noble, concerns are being raised.
These include whether or not we actually need every part of planet Earth to be flooded with internet access and / or communication networks, and also if these satellites will interfere with earth based astronomical endeavours (whether they be for scientific research or simply for amateur astronomy purposes).
When doing astrophotography, I often lose a few of the photographic frames I am capturing to the bright streak of light from a satellite passing overhead.
Currently I still find it interesting to track which satellite it was, its origin and purpose but predict that I will rapidly lose my sense of wonder if it happens every time I attempt to pursue my astrophotography interests.
Imagine the implications for formal astronomical observatories if this happens during their precious observation times.
Furthermore wouldn’t it be tragic if every time we looked up at the night sky, instead of seeing millions of stars, our view was disturbed with moving bright lights caused by these human creations?
Additional concerns have been expressed about the safety implications of failed satellites and the space debris it will cause for astronauts and human-manned stations such as the ISS (International Space Station).
There are a set of rules governed by the “Outer Space” treaty of 1967 which (amongst other considerations) affirms that, “States shall avoid harmful contamination of space and celestial bodies.”
Perhaps this treaty needs to be adequately considered during this time of innovation and a balance sought between necessary technological advancement and maintaining areas such as our skies, as free as possible of pollution from space debris and unnecessary light pollution.
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