GoKawiilAstronomical images could be blemished by bright streaks, if plans for huge numbers of satellites go ahead — plus, the damaging consequences of video call glitches.
Download the Nature Podcast 03 December 2025
In this episode:
00:46 How satellite mega-constellations could ruin space-based astronomy
The ability of space-based telescopes to image the distant Universe could be in peril, according to new research investigating the impacts of light-pollution from future satellites. Streaks of reflected light from satellites currently in low-Earth orbit are already seen in telescope images, and planned launches could raise the number of satellites from around 15,000 to more than half-a-million. Computer modelling revealed that this drastic increase would result in images taken by instruments such as the Hubble Space Telescope becoming unusable by astronomers. The team proposes a series of strategies to help mitigate these impacts, preventing this future becoming reality.
Research Article: Borlaff et al.
11:08 Research Highlights
How researchers have sped up the trapping of antimatter atoms — plus, how hydrogen fuel emission benefits vary considerably from sector to sector.
Research Highlight: Laser cooling traps more antimatter atoms than ever before
Research Highlight: Hydrogen fuel isn’t always the green choice
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