Monthly Meeting

Location: Streamed online.

Since the world observed sun reflecting off the first set of 60 Starlink satellites in 2019, concerns arose among and within the astronomy community on the adverse effects these satellites could have for and on the future enjoyment of dark skies. In fact, modeling and simulations demonstrate that unfettered satellite mega-constellations will dramatically impact astronomy research – optical, radio, infrared, and beyond. With authorization sought for more than 40,000 Starlink satellites and another 40,000 for OneWeb, with Amazon and other companies planning their own mega-constellations, the significance of these satellites to the astronomy community cannot be understated (consider, there exist now only about 6,000 satellites in orbit with only about 3,000 functional). To be sure, the impact will not be limited to professional endeavors; amateur astronomy has been and will continue to be affected. Over the last year, various interested parties have come together to address these issues.

Come here Charles report from the frontlines on these efforts and discuss how you – the amateur astronomy community – can help define the future of space policy and protect our dark skies.

Charles Lee Mudd Jr. is the founder and principal of Mudd Law, a firm recognized internationally for its Internet and space focused litigation and transactional practice. He regularly speaks and teaches Internet and space law domestically and internationally.

This event is open to the public and free of charge.