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- 1FCC's power to approve mega-constellation projects under scrutinyβ"The U.S. Federal Communications Commission can single-handedly green-light massive spaceflight projects that could comp
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission can single-handedly approve massive spaceflight projects, such as large satellite constellations, that could permanently alter the view of the night sky for everyone on Earth. Space law experts note that despite public outcry over these projects, the FCC holds largely unrivalled authority over such approvals, with few other regulatory avenues available to challenge them.
- 2Astronomers warn plan for 50,000 orbital mirrors would be catastrophicβ"'They're saying we want to launch 50,000 mirrors by 2035,' Benvenuti said. 'That would be catastrophic for astronomy, t
US regulators have granted approval to Reflect Orbital, a company planning to launch tens of thousands of orbiting mirrors that would reflect sunlight to Earth at night, marketed as 'sunlight as a service'. Astronomers are alarmed, with researcher Benvenuti warning the goal of 50,000 mirrors in orbit by 2035 would be catastrophic for astronomy by brightening the night sky and disrupting observations.
- 3Starlink satellite drift could track weather from orbitβAstronomer watches Starlink satellites sinking to build a 'planetary barometer'
An astronomer is tracking the gradual orbital decay of Starlink satellites, using their sinking altitudes as a kind of 'planetary barometer' to gauge density changes in the upper atmosphere. Because satellite drag responds to solar activity and atmospheric heating, the constellation's thousands of spacecraft could double as a global measuring network. The approach highlights ongoing tension between the megaconstellation and observational astronomy.
- 4Astronomers say AST SpaceMobile satellites far exceed brightness limitsβ"Our measurements reveal an average brightness seven times brighter than mitigation targets cited in FCC filings and pea
Astronomers report that new measurements show satellites averaging seven times brighter than mitigation targets cited in FCC filings, with peak brightness more than 200 times above the International Astronomical Union's recommended threshold. The findings raise concerns as AST SpaceMobile prepares further deployments that could worsen light pollution affecting ground-based astronomy.
- 5First direct radio signal detected from exoplanetβReseachers detect a direct radio signal from planet beyond solar system for the first time
Researchers report the first direct radio signal detected from a planet outside the solar system, a milestone in the search for worlds beyond our own. The detection, picked up by astronomers studying distant planetary systems, could open a new way to study exoplanets' magnetic fields and potential habitability. Scientists caution that more observations are needed to confirm the signal's origin.
- 6First radio waves detected from an exoplanet hint at alien aurorasβFirst radio waves seen from an exoplanet hint at otherworldly auroras # science # astronomy https://www. sciencenews.org
Astronomers have picked up radio waves from an exoplanet for the first time, a signal that could indicate auroras similar to those seen on Earth and the solar system's giant planets. The detection opens a new way to study magnetic fields and atmospheres of planets orbiting other stars, and scientists say future observations could reveal more about potentially habitable worlds far beyond our solar system.
- 7Harvard Scientists Detect Radio Signal From ExoplanetβHarvard Scientists Detect Radio Signal Coming Directly From Planet Outside the Solar System
Researchers affiliated with Harvard University report detecting a radio signal originating directly from a planet outside our solar system. The detection would mark a rare direct radio observation of an exoplanet, potentially revealing details about its magnetic field and environment. The news is drawing wide attention online, with commenters speculating about whether the signal could have a natural origin or something more intriguing.
- 8Hubble spots galaxy spinning two ways at onceβNASA's Hubble sees an exotic spiral galaxy spinning two ways at once
NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has observed an exotic spiral galaxy that appears to be rotating in two directions at the same time. The unusual finding has drawn attention from space enthusiasts and science outlets, with Mashable among those covering the observation and its implications for how such galaxies can form and evolve.
- 9Oman opens first robotic observatory at Jabal ShamsβΌOmanβs first robotic observatory opens at Jabal Shams
Oman has inaugurated its first robotic observatory, located at Jabal Shams, the highest peak in the Arabian Peninsula. The facility can operate without on-site staff, taking advantage of the mountain's clear skies and high altitude for astronomical observation. The opening marks a step forward for Omani scientific infrastructure and its ambitions in space and astronomy research.