New technology against satellite interference

Satellite tracks can be hidden from satellite images using new software.

Again and again, crowds of satellites come into the field of view for Hubble Space Telescope. In doing so, they leave traces on his satellite images, which weaken the researchers’ work. “We see these satellite tracks in Hubble data and almost all astronomical data, and it’s a little disturbing,” he said. David Stark from Space Telescope Science Institute In Baltimore at a conference.

The number of such tracks increases significantly. So, Stark and his team came up with a solution against these disruptors. It’s a program called Radon conversion average, which is 5 to 10 times more sensitive to these effects than previous programmes. “It is especially useful for finding satellite tracks that might be missed by the naked eye,” he says. Tracks can also be hidden using the software.

deviation from brightness

analyzed technology According to Wired magazine Any linear path through the image at any possible angle. Approves Locator track with satellite track match, the system detects a deviation in brightness at a given wavelength per pixel.

➤ Read more: How to save the Hubble Telescope

The system can also detect short paths – but they need to be brighter because they cover fewer pixels. When masking artifacts, the affected pixels are ignored when analyzing the data.

Possible bottle warnings

However, the program has limitations and is designed only for the Hubble Telescope. But the space telescope is less affected by satellite lines than by approx Observatories on Earth. For this Vera Rubin Observatory With the particularly sensitive camera, which will start taking pictures next year, the problem is likely to be even greater.

Among other things, the new observatory could be used to detect faint, variable objects such as near-Earth asteroids. Warnings are automatically sent to researchers. However, Rubin’s collaboration has now raised concerns that false alerts could be caused by reflections of light from satellites or space debris. until 30 percent Their images may be affected by satellite lines.