Starlink Satellites: Leaking Radiation and Dodging Objects, Threatening Astronomy

Germany's Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy has found that SpaceX's Starlink satellites are emitting unintended electromagnetic radiation, which could impact astronomical research. The radiation, detected in the frequency range between 110 and 188 megahertz, overlaps with protected radio frequencies for astronomical observations. Although the emissions are weak, they are comparable or even stronger than radio waves from distant celestial objects due to the satellites' close proximity to Earth. SpaceX is in contact with the institute and has introduced changes in the second generation of its satellites to mitigate the emissions. However, the issue of satellite reflections, which affect astronomical observations, still persists.