"Satellite-Free Radio Telescope Unveils Secrets of the Ancient Universe"

The Square Kilometer Array Observatory (SKAO), set to be the world's most powerful radio telescope, may have its view obstructed by SpaceX's Starlink satellites. These constellations of satellites, launched by private companies for global high-speed internet access, are already causing issues for ground-based observations and brightening the nighttime sky. Preliminary tests conducted by astronomers working on the SKAO revealed that the emissions from Starlink satellites were significantly brighter than the astronomical targets of the telescope. While the emissions are not in violation of any international agreements, they do overlap with the signals expected from the cosmic dawn, making it challenging for astronomers to study that epoch. Dialogue between private companies and regulatory agencies is needed to address the impact on astronomy.