SatHub Panel: Satellite Interference in Observatories Around the World

TL;DR

This paper discusses the widespread issue of satellite interference across various astronomical observatories and disciplines, highlighting specific cases and mitigation strategies to protect astronomical observations.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of satellite interference impacts on multiple observatories and proposes mitigation approaches, emphasizing collaborative efforts for preservation.

Findings

Satellite interference affects radio, gamma-ray, optical, and spectroscopic astronomy.

Examples include impacts on HST and H.E.S.S. observatories.

Mitigation strategies are being developed and implemented.

Abstract

Satellite constellation interference occurs across astronomical disciplines. We present examples of interference from radio and $\gamma$-Ray astronomy to optical and spectroscopic interference in ground-based and space-borne facilities. In particular, we discuss the impact of artificial satellites on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), the High Energy Stereoscopic System (H.E.S.S.), an Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescope, as well as possible mitigation strategies for the European Southern Observatory 4-metre Multi-Object Spectrograph Telescope (ESO 4MOST). Furthermore, we shed light on how ground-based optical telescopes such as the Oukaimeden Observatory contribute to IAU Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference (IAU CPS) efforts that quantify satellite brightness.