Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite, which will be launched in low orbit around Earth, could pose disruptions to South Africa’s radio telescopes.
The SpaceX satellite plans to bring faster connectivity to remote parts of South Africa.
However, South African astronomers are raising concerns about the disruptions the satellite could cause to our highly sensitive telescopic equipment.
Starlink satellite
Research associate at the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory, Dr Lerothodi Leeuw, said the space where the telescopes were located had strict protections to ensure no interferences occur.
“The protection we have in place at the moment they don’t apply internationally, such as in space, we don’t control those low-orbiting satellites. So, the concern that was put forward is what if these low Earth orbiting satellites contribute and Starlink is not the only one, there’s a whole bunch of them.”
Leeuw added that satellites crossing the telescope’s path cause interruptions to their research.
“So, just to give it a little bit of context. We know that our radio telescopes will get interference from artificial radio transmitters and from the ground, we take that so seriously that the area where the square kilometre radius is going to be in South Africa is a protected area against such interferences.”
In other news – Actors Hungani and Stephanie Ndlovu end marriage after 6 years
Popular South African actors Hungani and Stephanie Sandows Ndlovu have officially ended their six-year marriage. The announcement, confirmed by News24, revealed that the couple reached a mutual settlement agreement following what was described as an “irreparable disintegration” of their relationship.
The Ndlovus were often seen as one of Mzansi’s most admired celebrity couples. They tied the knot in an intimate garden ceremony on February 23, 2019, and celebrated their fourth anniversary publicly in 2023. Read More
