Call to Protect the Dark and Quiet Sky from Harmful Interference by Satellite Constellations
IAU Centre for the Protection of the Dark, Quiet Sky from Satellite, Constellation Interference (CPS), Gyula I. G. J\'ozsa, Andrew Williams,, Richard Green, Isabel Marsh, John Antoniadis, Domingos Barbosa, John, Barentine, Guillermo Blanc, Aaron Boley, Bruno Coelho

TL;DR
This paper highlights the growing threat of satellite constellations to the dark and quiet sky essential for astronomy and calls for international regulatory measures to mitigate their impact.
Contribution
It emphasizes the need for global regulation and coordination to protect astronomical research from satellite interference.
Findings
Satellite constellations reflect sunlight affecting optical telescopes
Radio emissions from satellites impact radio observatories
Current regulations are insufficient to mitigate these effects
Abstract
The growing number of satellite constellations in low Earth orbit (LEO) enhances global communications and Earth observation, and support of space commerce is a high priority of many governments. At the same time, the proliferation of satellites in LEO has negative effects on astronomical observations and research, and the preservation of the dark and quiet sky. These satellite constellations reflect sunlight onto optical telescopes, and their radio emission impacts radio observatories, jeopardising our access to essential scientific discoveries through astronomy. The changing visual appearance of the sky also impacts our cultural heritage and environment. Both ground-based observatories and space-based telescopes in LEO are affected, and there are no places on Earth that can escape the effects of satellite constellations given their global nature. The minimally disturbed dark and…
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Taxonomy
TopicsImpact of Light on Environment and Health
