For a study to be published in the Astronomy & Astrophysics journal, scientists from a number of leading research institutions, all members of the Opticon-RadioNet Pilot, using LOFAR telescope detected 47 satellites to emit so-called “unintended electromagnetic radiation”. Unintended electromagnetic radiation emanates from the electronics of the satellites, not necessarily linked to the transmission system. This is a concern to astronomers, since even faintest signals have the potential to change astronomical observations or even outshine cosmic sources. Read here the original press release by the International Astronomical Union’s Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference (IAU CPS) and here the ORP press release.
Image: © Danielle Futselaar, Artist impression of a large satellite constellation in low-Earth orbit circling above the LOFAR telescope.