Astronomers Warn New, Satellite Network Likely , to Interfere With Observations.<br />Astronomers have warned that a sprawling new satellite <br />network used to connect with mobile phones is a threat <br />to their work and humanity's view of the universe.<br />CNET reports that astronomers say the AST <br />SpaceMobile Bluewalker 3 satellite appears <br />brighter than most stars in the night sky. .<br />The 64-square-meter array of solar panels <br />and antennas was launched on September 10. .<br />A study by astronomers at the International <br />Astronomical Union (IAU) found the satellite to be <br />almost as bright as the 15th and 16th brightest stars. .<br />CNET reports that the real concern for astronomers <br />is that the Bluewalker 3 is a test model for over 100 <br />Bluebird satellites the company intends to launch. .<br />BlueWalker 3 is a big shift<br />in the constellation satellite issue <br />and should give us all reason to pause, Piero Benvenuti, Director of the IAU Center for <br />the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from <br />Satellite Constellation Interference, via CNET.<br />While astronomers have expressed concerns over other <br />mega-constellations of satellites like SpaceX's Starlink, <br />AST SpaceMobile's satellites pose an additional problem.<br />While astronomers have expressed concerns over other <br />mega-constellations of satellites like SpaceX's Starlink, <br />AST SpaceMobile's satellites pose an additional problem.<br />The Bluebird satellites emit strong radio <br />waves which could cause further interference <br />with astronomical observations. .<br />Astronomers build radio telescopes as far <br />away as possible from human activity, <br />looking for places on the planet where <br />there is limited or no cell phone coverage. , Philip Diamond, Director of the Square Kilometer Array <br />Observatory in South Africa and Australia, via CNET.<br />New satellites such as BlueWalker 3 <br />have the potential to worsen this situation <br />and compromise our ability to do <br />science if not properly mitigated, Philip Diamond, Director of the Square Kilometer Array <br />Observatory in South Africa and Australia, via CNET
