The Square Kilometre Array Observatory’s SKA-Low telescope in Western Australia is likely to encounter egregious setbacks. Radio noise from Starlink satellites jeopardizes its future. This exciting international endeavor aims to reveal a unique perspective on our universe. It will boldly probe for the faintest signals ever from the universe. Recent discoveries by researcher Dylan Grigg reveal that these satellites dramatically and directly disrupt telescope imaging. Such a disruption would drastically reduce the quality of any astronomical observations.
For SKA-Low, this telescope will be made up of up to 512 stations spread out over a diameter of 74 kilometers. The SKA-Low, or Murchison Wide Field Array, is purpose-built to detect low-frequency signals. Its goal is to explore the first billion years after stars and galaxies formed, an epoch often referred to as the “dark ages.” According to professorial fellow Steven Tingay, a crucial figure in SKA-Low’s development, this international initiative is set to revolutionize astronomical research.
Research Findings on Radio Interference
Our investigator Dylan Grigg even took a full month to be able to carry out a deep investigation. To measure the impacts of satellite radio emissions on SKA-Low, he took a photo of the sky every two seconds. His analysis found that, indeed, it’s hard to escape the presence of satellites — with Starlink being the obvious dominant force.
“In the end, we found that there were a lot of satellites, with the overwhelming majority of them being Starlink,” – Dylan Grigg.
Dr. Grigg’s insights also complement previous research at the SKA Observatory. They underscore the big problems facing radio astronomy, especially the interference from unintended electromagnetic radiation (UEMR), mainly from satellites. Federico Di Vruno, SKAO’s spectrum manager, noted that Grigg’s research supports earlier concerns regarding the impact of satellite constellations on low-frequency observations.
Challenges of Satellite Interference
Grigg characterizes the entire situation as a regulatory grey area. Though all the operations of Starlink are perfectly legal, the effects on radio astronomy are severe. He compares the experience to attempting to hear someone speak when you are next to a person who is yelling into a bullhorn.
“I could be standing next to you with a megaphone screaming at you, and you’re trying to hear your mate over the other side of the oval. It makes it very difficult,” – Dylan Grigg.
This interference makes it difficult to even filter out these unwanted signals, even with sophisticated algorithms specifically made to do just that. Nonetheless, Grigg firmly believes that this challenge is the key to advancing research in the coming years, and it points to an important need for continuous vigilance and understanding.
“Even if your algorithms are very good for filtering some of this … it makes it really difficult,” – Dylan Grigg.
The Importance of Continued Research
Professor Tingay acknowledges the significance of Grigg’s study, characterizing it as “the most comprehensive, unbiased study of the situation,” which establishes a baseline for current conditions affecting SKA-Low. He believes that ongoing research is necessary to assess shifts in satellite interference over time.
“We can then revisit this in future years and then go back and compare to the baseline and see what’s changed — have things improved, have things not improved? Are there more signals?” – Professor Steven Tingay.
Tingay emphasizes the need for public awareness regarding the trade-offs between global internet access and preserving astronomical research opportunities. As the democratization of technology accelerates and satellite constellations flourish, he suggests society should thread this needle between these interests cautiously.
“It’s a trade-off there that I think the public should be aware of,” – Professor Steven Tingay.
