Scientists revealed that light pollution caused by thousands of human-made satellites and space waste is worse than ever before. Read to know more.
The study published reveals it to be detrimental to studying the universe
Scientists issued a new warning on the increasing light pollution caused by satellites sent to space. The study published in Nature Astronomy reveals it to be detrimental to studying the universe. Additionally, it is going to pose an “unprecedented global threat to nature”. Modeling data revealed the darkest part of the night sky is going to turn 7.5 percent brighter in the coming decade from the Vera Rubin Observatory. This means astronauts studying space from the observatory will see a reduction in the number of stars by 7.5 percent. The observatory is under construction in Chile. Additionally, this will add an extra year of workload and cost an additional $21.8 million. However, this was easily avoidable if the lower orbit of the Earth was debris-free.
More on the warning
Scientists warn that the current measurements of light pollution are significantly underestimating the situation. According to the study, the brightening of the atmosphere is threatening “our ancient relationship with the night sky.” “Space is our shared heritage and ancestor, connecting us through science, storytelling, art, origin stories, and cultural traditions. And it is now at risk,” stated Aparna Venkatesan. Venkatesan is an astronomer at the University of San Francisco and a part of the study.
“The loss of the natural aspect of a pristine night sky for all the world, even on the summit of K2 or on the shore of Lake Titicaca or Easter Island is an unprecedented global threat to nature and cultural heritage,” she added. The doubling of the total number of satellites in the lower orbit of the planet is to blame for the light pollution. SpaceX’s mega constellation project is one major reason behind the increased numbers.
