If it were a star, the BlueWalker 3 satellite would be one of the ten brightest in the sky. Understand why all this shine is a problem
Gabriel Andrade
10 hours ago
Image: AST SpaceMobile/Reproduction
Launched in September, the BlueWalker 3 satellite is the largest commercial system ever put into orbit — but it has troubled scientists and astronomers. All because the equipment obscures 99% of the stars visible from a dark place on Earth.
According to a study published by the magazine Nature, the BlueWalker 3 really shines thanks to its huge array of antennas. Furthermore, its white color reflects a considerable amount of sunlight back to the Earth, making it shine even at twilight.
The object was launched by the company AST SpaceMobile and operates in low Earth orbit. It has a 64 m² antenna system and is just the first in a series that could have a hundred or even more larger satellites.
Satellite is one of the brightest “stars”
The researchers assessed the satellite’s brightness using a standard astronomical index called the magnitude scale, on which the brightest objects have the lowest numbers.
Bright Venus, for example, can reach a magnitude of –4.6, while the North Star is much fainter, at magnitude +2.
When the satellite unfurled its antenna array, causing its brightness to increase to magnitude +0.4. If it were a star, it would be one of the ten brightest in the sky.
Photo shows that BlueWalker is the brightest point in the sky. Image: Delft Technical University/Reproduction
BlueWalker 3 could be hundreds of times brighter than recommended by the International Astronomical Union.
Having an artificial point with such bright self-light could hinder astronomers’ observations, as scientists could lose reference to surrounding astronomical objects.
AST’s response
An AST spokesperson said the company is aware of concerns about the BlueWalker 3’s brightness and is working to resolve them, according to the portal. Space.
Such initiatives are in collaboration with NASA and other astronomy groups, and involve positioning antennas at a considerable distance from areas that are vital to astronomy, reducing the chances of light pollution disrupting observations.
One of the organization’s main goals is to build its own constellation of low-orbit satellites, similar to billionaire Elon Musk’s Starlink. The development of technology aims to correct the “holes” in telecommunications systems across the planet, offering stable connections even in remote locations.
2023-10-05 19:47:00
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