Researchers caution that Elon Musk's orbital data centers may interfere with the visibility of Earth’s largest telescopes.

      A recent study by the European Southern Observatory (ESO) indicates that millions of satellites could render sections of the night sky largely unusable for astronomical observations.

      The expansion of satellite internet has provided faster connectivity for many, but the ESO warns that this rapid increase in satellite mega-constellations may significantly hinder some of the most important scientific endeavors in astronomy. The organization emphasizes that the proliferation of satellites could greatly impact the observations conducted by powerful telescopes around the world.

      The ESO highlights that the number of satellites orbiting Earth has surged dramatically in recent years. Starlink alone has launched approximately 10,400 satellites, whereas humanity had sent a total of around 14,450 satellites into space prior to 2022. With several companies planning even larger constellations—including Elon Musk's vision of up to one million orbital "data center" satellites—the concerns among astronomers are only escalating.

      ESO researchers conducted simulations to assess the effect of a crowded night sky on ground-based observatories, and the results were alarming. Even if future satellites are not visible to the naked eye, the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile may lose 28% of its observable area. More radiant satellites could have an even larger negative impact on the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, possibly making many images unusable for hours each night.

      However, the ESO is not advocating for a cessation of satellite launches. Instead, they are suggesting an international limit of 100,000 faint satellites in low Earth orbit, arguing that such a cap would help reconcile global connectivity needs with the long-term requirements of astronomy. They emphasize that the brightness of satellites is just as critical as their quantity, as brighter satellites reflect more sunlight and disrupt telescope images.

      The overarching message is that this issue goes beyond any single company. Starlink, being the largest constellation, serves as a prime example, but other companies, such as Amazon's Leo, which is slated for launch later this year, are also contributing to the situation. As more organizations develop extensive satellite networks, the challenge lies in enhancing internet access without turning the night sky into a significant hindrance for astronomers.