The launch of thousands of new satellites is set to devastate astronomy and disrupt the natural beauty of dark skies. Current plans for over 1.7 million satellites will make it impossible for telescopes to capture images without obstruction.
The European Southern Observatory (ESO) has warned that a maximum limit of 100,000 satellites orbiting Earth would be necessary to preserve humanity’s ability to explore the universe. With 14,000 satellites already in orbit and plans to launch hundreds of thousands more, astronomers fear for the future of their craft.
The ESO study found that constellations of big and bright satellites will make the night sky four times brighter, making it difficult or impossible to observe celestial objects. The researchers also warned that the light pollution from these satellites would interfere with biological clocks in humans and animals, disrupt ecosystems, and have a significant environmental impact.
Reflect Orbital’s plan to launch 50,000 huge satellites using giant mirrors poses an “existential threat” to astronomy, according to ESO astronomer Olivier Hainaut. The satellites’ default position will be “off,” but the light they scatter will still make each one as bright as Venus. Even with their mirrors pointed away from observers, the Reflect Orbital satellites would make the night sky up to four times brighter.
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is now in a critical role, deciding whether to allow these satellite constellations to launch. The ESO hopes that regulators will share its view on this issue and limit the number of orbiting satellites to 100,000.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/2026/07/01/planned-17-million-satellites-devastating-for-astronomy-by-making-night-sky-brighter