SpaceX's Starlink Satellites: Leaking Radiation and Disrupting Radio Astronomy

A new study has found that SpaceX's Starlink satellites are leaking unintended radiation into the night sky, potentially interfering with astronomers' ability to detect radio signals from distant parts of the universe. The study used the LOFAR telescope to observe the emissions of 68 Starlink satellites and found that 47 of them were emitting radiation in a frequency range allocated to radio astronomy. While SpaceX is not breaking any rules, the researchers expect similar emissions from other satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), which could worsen as the number of private satellites increases. The study team is in talks with SpaceX to address the issue and is calling for new regulations to align space-based radio emissions with terrestrial ones.