Satellite Surge Threatens Key Space Telescope Observations, NASA Finds

A sharp rise in satellite numbers is now significantly disrupting astronomical observations from space, according to a new NASA study. The research warns that trails left by satellites could ruin most images from some vital orbiting telescopes. The study focused on the Hubble Space Telescope. It found that satellites crossing Hubble's field of view have already increased in recent years. If current plans for large satellite fleets continue, up to 96% of Hubble's images taken at certain times could be affected by satellite streaks by the next decade. These bright streaks can obscure celestial objects and ruin scientific data. The issue is most severe for telescopes in low-Earth orbit, the same region targeted by massive new satellite constellations for global internet coverage. NASA emphasizes that space-based astronomy remains crucial. However, the study concludes that the growing satellite population poses a "growing threat" to its effectiveness. The findings will help astronomers develop new scheduling and software tools to mitigate the interference.