SpaceX's new Starlink satellites are so radio noisy that they could blind radio astronomy observatories to the universe's most intriguing phenomena, scientists say.

Update by the edhat staff September 18, 2024 The Falcon 9 rocket launch from Vandenberg has been delayed. The vehicle is now slated to lift off Thursday morning at 5:00 a.m. SpaceX Set to Launch Starlink Satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Wednesday By the edhat staff September 17,

The excess radio emissions from Starlink satellites threatens to hinder observations through radio telescopes, astronomers in Europe say.

Satellite swarms orbiting the Earth are leaking more radiation into protected wavelength bands than ever. In fact, the second generation of Starlink satellites – known as the v2mini and v2mini Direct-to-Cell versions – are leaking up to 32 times more radiation than their predecessor.

Observations with the LOFAR (Low Frequency Array) radio telescope last year showed that first generation Starlink satellites emit unintended radio waves that can hinder astronomical observations.