Protecting Astronomy from Satellite Megaconstellations.

The increasing number of Earth-orbiting megaconstellations, such as Starlink and OneWeb, is causing concern among astronomers who fear that the light from an estimated 400,000 satellites planned for low Earth orbit in the coming years will interfere with their observations. The International Astronomical Union's Center for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference is working to find a common understanding between the need for global internet coverage and the protection of astronomy. The most rapid progress in mitigating the impacts of megaconstellations on astronomy comes from cooperative efforts by industry, some of which are now made a condition of operational licensing by the Federal Communications Commission.