Collisions that generate space debris are more likely as space fills with new satellites. Rafael Schmall / NOIRLab, CC BYīy the end of this decade, we estimate, there may be 100,000 satellites in orbit around the Earth. Starlink satellites already leave streaks on astronomical photographs – but growth in satellites and debris will make the whole sky brighter. We found this phenomenon may make the survey 7.5% less efficient and US$21.8 million more expensive. In a new paper in Nature Astronomy, my colleagues and I applied this knowledge to predicting the performance of a major astronomical sky survey. Not only is ground-based light pollution increasing rapidly, but growing numbers of satellites and space debris in orbit around Earth are also impacting the night sky.Įarlier research showed that satellites and space debris may increase the overall brightness of the night sky. Countless people around the world gaze at the night sky: not only amateur and professional astronomers, but also casual observers who enjoy looking up at the stars to contemplate our place in the cosmos. The starry night sky has not only inspired countless works of music, art and poetry, but has also played an important role in timekeeping, navigation and agricultural practices in many traditions.įor many cultures, the night sky, with its stars, planets and the Milky Way, is considered just as important a part of the natural environment as the forests, lakes and mountains below. Since time immemorial, humans around the world have gazed up in wonder at the night sky.

Satellite view of space