Astronomers Discover a Clever “Trick” to Avoid Starlink Photobombing Hubble

With the proliferation of satellite trails, astronomers see a lot more streaks in their images.

A clear sky is a prerequisite for most astronomers imaging the cosmos. However, with the proliferation of satellite trails, astronomers see a lot more streaks in their images. That’s particularly true for people using professional ground-based and orbiting telescopes. When Hubble Space Telescope opened its eye on the sky, there were less than 500 satellites orbiting our planet. Now, there are nearly 8,000 of them, leaving their mark across the sky.

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What if astronomy satellites were placed in a higher orbit above the earth communication satellites ?

This model would not interfere with the earth communication satellites and would not interfere with astronomy satellites.

Earth based telescopes would have to use the software approach.

Tau.Neutrino said:

What if astronomy satellites were placed in a higher orbit above the earth communication satellites ?

This model would not interfere with the earth communication satellites and would not interfere with astronomy satellites.

Earth based telescopes would have to use the software approach.

Earth communication satellites want to point towards earth.

Astronomy satellites want to point outwards towards space.

It would make sense to do this.

> What if astronomy satellites were placed in a higher orbit above the earth communication satellites ?

Most do. Hubble is one of the exceptions. Astronomy satellites in further orbits can’t e repaired if something goes wrong, or upgraded with better new technology while in orbit.

> Earth based telescopes would have to use the software approach.

They do. Hubble analyses do too. The incidence of satellite trails and cosmic rays is eliminated by taking two pictures of the same scene and eliminating everything that doesn’t appear in both. But with more satellites the software needs to be a trifle better than that.