BlueWalker 3 Redux
Anthony Mallama, Richard E. Cole, Scott Harrington, Aaron Worley, Jay, Respler, Cees Bassa, Scott Tilley
TL;DR
BlueWalker 3's brightness has decreased since deployment, but it remains sufficiently bright to impact astronomical observations, highlighting ongoing challenges in satellite brightness management.
Contribution
This study provides updated brightness measurements of BlueWalker 3, demonstrating significant dimming over time and assessing its ongoing impact on astronomy.
Findings
Brightness near zenith reduced from magnitude 1.0 to 2.2
Satellite still interferes with astronomical research
Brightness improvement over initial deployment
Abstract
The BlueWalker 3 satellite is now fainter than during the first months after deployment. The greatest improvement is that the average maximum luminosity near zenith has been reduced from magnitude 1.0 to 2.2. However, the spacecraft is still usually bright enough to interfere with astronomical research.
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Taxonomy
TopicsSpacecraft Design and Technology · Radio Astronomy Observations and Technology · Astronomy and Astrophysical Research