Orbital data centers could transform our night sky forever
Without drastic interventions, data centers in space could disrupt scientific observations and fragile ecosystems by adding almost innumerable new “stars” to the heavens above
Tech companies are racing to build large data centers in space, which could rapidly transform the night sky, according to a new study. Without proper intervention, these orbital data centers could introduce countless new "stars" to the heavens, disrupting scientific observations and ecosystems. Aerospace giants like SpaceX and Blue Origin, along with startups such as Cowboy Space Corporation, have proposed constellations of data centers ranging from 20,000 to one million satellites.
These satellites would orbit Earth's poles, where they could receive constant sunlight, creating a pervasive glow of light at sunrise and sunset. Astronomers warn that the sheer number of these satellites could outnumber visible stars by a factor of 100, making it difficult to observe fainter objects and even challenge the Milky Way's visibility.
The study found that the impact would be particularly severe in Antarctica, where observatories use the continent's remote conditions to study the cosmic microwave background. Additionally, heat emissions and communications with ground stations could interfere with infrared observations and radio astronomy. While some satellite companies, like SpaceX, have proposed mitigation strategies, the study suggests that the environmental and astronomical implications of orbital data centers remain a significant concern.
Written by urgent.news from Scientific American's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
