Research | Science | UW News blog
April 22, 2022
A team of scientists argues that space requires special legal protection, similar to that provided for land, sea, or atmosphere, to protect its fragile environment. The benefits of space should be weighed against the negative environmental impacts of an influx of space debris approximately 60 miles above the surface of Earth, which is a result of satellite mega-constellations’ rapid growth.
In a PaperPublished April 22nd in Nature Astronomy, these authors argue that space is important to preserve for professional astronomers, amateur stargazers, and Indigenous peoples.
We need all hands on deck to address the rapidly changing satellite situation if we can hope to co-create a future with dark and quiet skies for everyone,” said co-author Meredith RawlsA research scientist at the Vera C. Rubin ObservatoryUniversity of Washington Data-Intensive Research in Astrophysics and Cosmology Institute, or DiRAC Institute.
Andy Lawrence, a professor at University of Edinburghs Institute for Astronomy reports that large clusters of hardware placed in Earth orbit, some of which contain tens of thousand of satellites, is congetting space. Rocket launches are polluting our atmosphere, and fragments of broken satellites, that race at high speed through orbital spaces, threaten working satellites. Satellite flares also cause light pollution that disrupts research.
The Chile-based Rubin Observatory is a research organization that aims to do a 10-year astrophysical surveyFor example, it is expected that the health of the senate will be severely affected.
Because of its large mirror and large field of view, Rubin Observatory will be impacted by large numbers bright satellites. These characteristics are what make it such an amazing engine for discovery. While I am very concerned about satellite streaks and their impact on science, the case for dark and still skies is far more important.
These issues can only be addressed if orbital space is considered part of the environment. This means that it should be protected at both the national and international levels. They call on policymakers to take into account the environmental effects of satellite constellations, including their launch, operation, and de-orbit, and to work together to create a sustainable, ethical, and shared approach to space.
Lawrence said that we are at a historic turning point in history. Although we can launch large numbers of satellites cheaply and make them useful for the benefit of all life on Earth, this comes with a price. The space industry may not only be damaging stargazing but also inflicting serious damage to its own industry.
Rawls is also involved in efforts to preserve and protect the night sky via the International Astronomical Union Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Skies From Satellite Constellation Interference. The center will bring together sky-observer stakeholders to work together to quantify, mitigate and disseminate the satellites’ impacts.
Nature Astronomy’s new article is partly based on a legal case relating to how the U.S. government licenses space launches and authorizes them. An Amicus briefFilled on behalf Lawrence with input from Rawls & co-author Moriba JahThe University of Texas at Austin’s associate professor of aerospace and engineering mechanics argues that space launches should be licensed under U.S. environmental regulations. The case, which could become a precedent in space environmentalalism’s growing movement, is currently being heard by the U.S. Court of Appeals District of Columbia Circuit.
Jah stated that we believe all things are interconnected, and that we must embrace stewardship like our lives depend on it. This wicked problem can be solved with traditional ecological knowledge.
Jah, along with Steve Wozniak (Apple co-founder) and Alex Fielding (CEO at Ripcord), co-founded Privateer Space. Privateer Space will use a novel approach to accurately mapping the objects in orbit in near real-time to allow for the sustainable use by a growing number operators.
Jah stated that the greatest challenge is to recruit empathy and compassion towards solving these environmental crises. If we can find innovative methods to allow the general public to see this situation and feel concerned about it, then the Earth and all of her lives will win.
Aaron Boley, associate professor of physics, astronomy, and the University of British Columbia, Federico Di Vruno and Simon Garrington are co-authors. Simon Garrington is also associate director of Square Kilometre Array Observatory in the U.K. Michael Kramer is the director of Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy, Germany. Samantha Lawler is assistant professor of physics at University of Regina in Canada. James Lowenthal, professor of astronomy, Smith College; Jonathan McDowell is an astrophysonian Center for Astrophysics.
Rawls can be reached at [email protected].
Adapted by a Press releaseUniversity of Edinburgh
Tag(s) : College of Arts & Sciences conservation Department of Astronomy DIRAC Institute Meredith Rawls