Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites 'blocking' astronomers' view of the universe

Radio waves from Elon Musk's expanding satellite network are obstructing scientists' efforts to explore the universe, according to researchers in the Netherlands.

They report that the newer generation of Starlink satellites, which provide high-speed internet globally, are causing greater interference with radio telescopes than the earlier models.

The thousands of satellites in orbit are “blinding” radio telescopes and could be hampering astronomical research, as stated by the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON).

These satellites offer broadband internet worldwide, often reaching remote areas, including challenging regions like Ukraine and Yemen.

They also help connect rural parts of the UK to high-speed internet. Tests conducted in 2022 indicated that Starlink could provide internet speeds up to four times faster than the average, as noted by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport.

However, astronomers warn there is a downside.

"Every time more of these are launched with these kinds of emission levels, we see less and less of the sky," Professor Jessica Dempsey, director of ASTRON, told BBC News.

"We're trying to look at things like the jets, which are emitted from black holes in the centre of galaxies. We also look at some of the earliest galaxies, millions and millions of light years away, as well as exoplanets," she said, emphasizing the specific areas impacted by satellite radiation.

ASTRON discovered that interference from the second generation, or V2, satellites is 32 times stronger than the interference caused by the first generation.

Prof. Dempsey added that the level of radiation emitted surpasses the limits set by the International Telecommunications Union, an industry regulatory body.

It’s estimated that there are currently 6,402 Starlink satellites orbiting at around 342 miles (550km) above Earth, making Starlink the largest provider by a significant margin.