"Concerns Rise as Enormous Satellite Outshines Stars in Night Sky"

The prototype satellite BlueWalker 3, part of a planned constellation for global mobile communications, has raised concerns among astronomers due to its brightness, outshining all but the brightest stars in the night sky. The satellite's potential to disrupt astronomical observations and radio astronomy has prompted an international team of scientists to assess its impact. The data collected show an abrupt increase in brightness coinciding with the unfolding of the satellite's antenna array. The interference with radio astronomy is also a concern, as BlueWalker 3 transmits at frequencies close to those used by radio telescopes. Efforts are being made to develop strategies to protect existing and upcoming telescopes from the numerous satellites planned for launch in the next decade.