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IAU CENTRE FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE DARK AND QUIET SKY FROM SATELLITE CONSTELLATION INTERFERENCE

CPS

News

New Radio Astronomical Observations Confirm Unintended Electromagnetic Radiation Emanating from Large Satellite Constellations

New Radio Astronomical Observations Confirm Unintended Electromagnetic Radiation Emanating from Large Satellite Constellations

July 5, 2023
Scientists use the LOFAR telescope to observe low-frequency radio waves from satellites in large constellations for the first time. “Unintended electromagnetic radiation” emanating from onboard elect…
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Dark and Quiet Skies Feature Prominently at UN Meeting

Dark and Quiet Skies Feature Prominently at UN Meeting

June 20, 2023
The issue of the protection of dark and quiet skies from large satellite constellation interference featured prominently at the 66th meeting of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Ou…
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IAU CPS briefs delegations as United Nations meeting kicks off

IAU CPS briefs delegations as United Nations meeting kicks off

May 30, 2023
Ahead of the start of the 66th session of the United Nations’ Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS), the IAU Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Con…
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Our mission is to protect the dark sky

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) is deeply concerned about the increasing number of launched and planned satellite constellations in mainly low Earth orbits. The IAU embraces the principle of a dark and radio-quiet sky, not only as essential to advancing our understanding of the Universe of which we are a part, but also for the cultural heritage of all humanity and for the protection of nocturnal wildlife.

The IAU Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference (CPS) coordinates collaborative multidisciplinary international efforts with institutions and individuals and works across multiple geographic areas to help mitigate the negative impact of satellite constellations on ground-based optical and radio astronomy observations as well as on humanity’s enjoyment of the night sky.

6
Launched Satellite Constellations
4650
Operational Constellation Satellites
5436
Total Launched Constellation Satellites
18
Satellite Constellations in Planning
543811
Planned Constellation Satellites
30
Contributing CPS Members
166
Affiliated CPS Members

What People Say?

Interference of our view of the sky caused by ground-based artificial lights, optical and infrared trails of satellite constellations and radio transmission on the ground and in space is an existential threat to astronomical observations

— Debra Elmegreen, International Astronomical Union President.

The deployment of thousands of satellites in low earth orbit in the coming years will inevitably change this landscape by creating a much larger number of fast-moving radio sources in the sky, which will interfere with humanity's ability to explore the Universe.

— Philip Diamond, SKAO Director-General.

Technical advances are also propelling explosive growth in global communication satellites. We can balance these to ensure that dark and quiet skies are protected for all humanity.

— Pat McCarthy, Director of NSFʼs NOIRLab.

Contact

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Call Us
+33 1 43 25 83 58
Address
98-bis Blvd Arago, F–75014 Paris
Email
info@cps.iau.org

Want to join us?

Become a Member of the International Astronomical Union Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference (CPS)!