Excerpt from Rhodes University
“Scientists, including Rhodes University Visiting Professor Dr Gyula Józsa, use the LOFAR telescope to observe low-frequency radio waves from satellites in large constellations for the first time. “Unintended electromagnetic radiation” emanating from onboard electronics in Starlink satellites was detected, which could impact astronomical research.
For a study to be published in the Astronomy & Astrophysics journal, scientists from a number of leading research institutions [1] used the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) telescope centred in the Netherlands to observe 68 Starlink satellites made by SpaceX. The authors conclude that they detected “unintended electromagnetic radiation” emanating from onboard electronics. This is different from communications transmissions, which had been the primary focus for radio astronomers so far. Further scientific evaluation including other satellite systems is underway, as this unintended radiation could impact astronomical research. The authors encourage satellite operators and regulators to consider this impact on radio astronomy in spacecraft development and regulatory processes alike. ”
Read more here.
The International Astronomical Union’s Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference (IAU CPS) is a global organisation co-hosted by the US-based NSF’s NOIRLab and the SKA Observatory (SKAO), under the auspices of the IAU.
The CPS facilitates global coordination of efforts by the astronomical community in concert with observatories, space agencies, industry, regulators and other sectors to help mitigate the negative consequences of satellite constellations on astronomy.
https://ehtrust.org/rhodes-university-new-radio-astronomical-observations-confirm-unintended-electromagnetic-radiation-emanating-from-satellites/ Source: Environmental Health Trust