[STUDY] SpaceX Starlink Negatively Affects NASA Hubble Space Telescope! Will HST Become Useless?

SpaceX Starlink satellites are negatively affecting NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, claims a new study.

This is not surprising since space experts already shared their concerns about the negative effects of internet satellites.

To ensure that effects of satellites on astronomy observations, SpaceX and other aerospace agencies are making mitigation plans.

However, it seems like their efforts are not that efficient since satellite photo-bombing cases are worsening.

SpaceX Starlink Negatively Affects NASA Hubble Space Telescope!

According to Futurism's latest report, the interference of Starlink satellites on astronomy observations is still minor.

PC Mag reported that the images of the Hubble Space Telescope containing satellite streaks are only 2.7%.

Although this is the case, a new study revealed that photo-bombing incidents involving satellites increased by 4.3% from 2018 to 2021. Because of this, space experts speculated that the Starlink satellites are the main reasons why this uptick happened.

The new study titled "The impact of satellite trails on Hubble Space Telescope observations" explained that Starlink internet sats usually travel around 12 kilometers above HST.

This means that these internet satellites will appear less frequently in HST's photos. However, they will leave broader trails.

Will HST Become Useless?

As of press time, satellite photo-bombing incidents are not a major threat in astronomy observations.

However, Mark McCaughrean, a co-author of the new study, explained that around 20 years from now, satellites could make HST useless.

"That might be 10 or 20 years away, but it's not inconceivable that there's a point at which you say, 'Let's not bother anymore,'" explained the astronomer.

He shared this statement since the Hubble Space Telescope is expected to retire in the mid to late 2030s.

You can click this link to learn more about the new study about satellite photo-bombing.

Other stories we recently wrote about Starlink satellites:

SpaceX's Starlink broadband service finally rolled out in the Philippines. The new Starlink V2 mini satellites were recently deployed.

For more news updates about Starlink and other internet satellites, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.