As part of this year’s Researchers’ Night at the Ludovika University of Public Service (LUPS), visitors had the opportunity to attend a lecture by Barbara Horváth, researcher at our Institute, titled “Dark and Quiet Skies – Elon Musk’s Impact on Light Pollution.”
In her talk, she explored how the rapid expansion of satellite mega-constellations, most notably Elon Musk’s Starlink network, is reshaping the night sky. While these technologies promise global internet access and new opportunities for space research, they also create unprecedented challenges. Bright satellite trails disrupt astronomical observations, while constant radio emissions interfere with sensitive measurements of galaxies, stars, and black holes.
She pointed out that these effects threaten not only world-class observatories such as the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile and the Square Kilometre Array in South Africa and Australia, but also the cultural and natural heritage of the starry night sky. The consequences reach beyond science: wildlife and human health are equally affected by increasing light pollution.
Horváth also introduced international efforts to address the issue, including initiatives by the International Astronomical Union and the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, as well as technological solutions such as dark satellite coatings and orbit optimization.
Her conclusion was clear: while Elon Musk’s ventures symbolize innovation and connectivity, global cooperation and stricter regulation are urgently needed to protect both astronomy and the environment for future generations.
