SpaceX’s Starlink Satellites: Light Pollution Problem For Astronomers?

Intended to improve internet connectivity in far-fringe areas, could the fleet of SpaceX’s Starlink satellites be a source of light pollution problem for astronomers?

By: Ringo Bones

Near the end of 2019, the world’s astronomical community – including a growing number of amateur astronomers – has voiced their concerns that SpaceX founder Elon Musk’s upcoming fleet of satellites intended to provide and improve internet coverage and reception in far-fringe areas - called Starlink - could eventually become a source of light pollution that could eventually interfere with astronomy. But are the concerns of the astronomers valid?

As of May 7, 2020, SpaceX had unveiled plans to make their Starlink satellites “invisible” in order to make them not a source of light pollution that could interfere with astronomical observations. A software upgrade and a new design for the satellites are intended to reduce the interference for astronomers.

Near the end of 2019, the company’s billionaire founder Elon musk had denied claims that the eventual 12,000-strong fleet of satellites could ruin the night sky for astronomers. Bowing to growing pressure from the global astronomical community, SpaceX eventually made plans to make its satellites “generally invisible to the naked eye within a week of launch” following complaints about light pollution and actual photos taken by scores of amateur astronomers of the first batch of the Starlink satellites as a visual proof that it became an unnecessary source of light pollution on various social media sites.