This is the third documentary series with that name. The name must be a good one. ;)
SLS is such a waste. Arrghh. All that money could be going to so much science instead.
Mediocre rocket scientists and not-quite-the-best engineers need jobs too. SLS is that. Its a better waste of money than nuclear subs if you ask me.
Or we could be designing/sending probes to Titan, Enceladus, and Europa :(
Has anyone posted this handy ‘where and when to look to see the starlink satellite chain’ website yet? I THINK I’ve seen em once.
Good article from Sky & Telescope about Starlink. Video, images, and some (very valid) concerns about the impact of this network (and those that come after) on ground-based astronomy.
Do you want to look up at the stars with your kids (or grandkids), or do you want Facebook and YouTube on every continent? Make up your minds already, people.
Menzo
3037
Wasn’t quite as impressed by the second episode, which had several rather weird bits of anthropomorphism when discussing the history of Mars and Earth.
The American Astronomical Society (AAS) put out a formal statement today on the satellite constellation problem:
The American Astronomical Society notes with concern the impending deployment of very large constellations of satellites into Earth orbit. The number of such satellites is projected to grow into the tens of thousands over the next several years, creating the potential for substantial adverse impacts to ground- and space-based astronomy. These impacts could include significant disruption of optical and near-infrared observations by direct detection of satellites in reflected and emitted light; contamination of radio astronomical observations by electromagnetic radiation in satellite communication bands; and collision with space-based observatories.
The AAS recognizes that outer space is an increasingly available resource with many possible uses. However, the potential for multiple large satellite constellations to adversely affect both each other and the study of the cosmos is becoming increasingly apparent, both in low Earth orbit and beyond.
The AAS is actively working to assess the impacts on astronomy of large satellite constellations before their numbers rise further. Only with thorough and quantitative understanding can we properly assess the risks and identify appropriate mitigating actions. The AAS desires that this be a collaborative effort among its members, other scientific societies, and other space stakeholders including private companies. The AAS will support and facilitate the work by relevant parties to understand fully and minimize the impact of large satellite constellations on ground- and space-based astronomy.
Tman
3040
I’ll tell you when the iridium satellites are fucking annoying as hell to ground based telescopes. They rotate and the sun would reflect off them, creating a mini-nova. They called it aIridium Flare
But these are only 70 or so. With Musk and his tens of thousands, I’m very worried for tomorrows astronomers.
Tman
3041
Why didn’t they release this statement a year + ago so Musk, NASA, FCC could maybe do something about the potential issue before putting up 60 of them?
From what I’m hearing, there was some basic discussion on this already between SpaceX and the FCC, but most of these astronomical organizations weren’t involved or very interested at the time. For instance, the FCC had SpaceX put together an agreement with radio astronomers in order to reduce how much these communications wavelengths interfere with radio observations of the universe.
Most of this remains to be seen how much of an issue it will be. SpaceX claims these satellites will far less visible in normal operation once their antennas are pointed to Earth and the solar panel therefore isn’t reflecting as much. They also said they’ll work on improving future versions of the satellites. It’s important to remember that these 60 are very much (functional) prototypes.
I haven’t heard what OneWeb or Amazon or the others have said about their upcoming constellations. We’ll see how well it goes.
ShivaX
3044
RichVR
3045
Alien ship with a miniature black hole as a drive.
MikeJ
3047
I was thinking more like Dahak’s drive unit.
