Imagine a future where the night sky, once a canvas of infinite stars, is now disrupted by a new, man-made phenomenon. Amazon's ambitious plan to beam internet from space has an unexpected consequence: its satellites are so bright, they're interfering with astronomical research.
A recent study, yet to undergo peer review, analyzed almost 2,000 observations of Amazon's LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites. The findings? These satellites exceed the brightness limit set by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), a limit designed to ensure satellite constellations don't hinder astronomical studies.
Dr. Anthony Mallama, an astronomer and lead author of the study, explains the impact. "Bright satellites are a real issue for large-scale surveys at ground observatories, like the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. They can also interfere with orbiting observatories like the Hubble Space Telescope."
Dr. Mallama and his team have previously studied the brightness of other satellite networks, notably SpaceX's Starlink, the largest constellation in orbit with around 9,500 satellites. They've also observed the BlueBird satellite arrays operated by AST SpaceMobile, which, with their massive antennas, are the brightest artificial objects in the night sky.
Interestingly, Amazon's LEO satellites are dimmer than the BlueBirds and slightly fainter than most Starlink satellites, which orbit at a lower altitude. However, the study highlights that future Amazon LEO satellites are expected to orbit even lower, increasing their brightness further.
John Barentine, an astronomer at the Silverado Hills Observatory, adds that these satellites appear particularly bright during twilight. Amazon began launching its internet constellation in 2025, with plans to grow it to over 3,200 spacecraft.
Despite the potential disruption, Dr. Mallama praises Amazon's collaboration with astronomers, aiming to reduce the impact of its satellites on the night sky. "Satellite operators like Amazon and SpaceX are working with astronomers to reduce satellite brightness. One method is making the spacecraft's underside mirror-like, reflecting sunlight into space instead of scattering it to the ground. Another is orienting satellite components so observers on the ground don't see the sunlit sides."
Barentine notes that Amazon's engineers have already reduced the amount of light reflected by their satellites, making them less visible in the night sky. "Amazon Leo is a great example of an operator engaging with astronomers early in the design phase. It's encouraging to see this effort bearing fruit."
The issue of satellite megaconstellations impacting astronomical observations has been a concern since the launch of SpaceX's Starlink satellites in 2019. Back then, astronomers revealed images streaked by satellite trails. However, SpaceX has since worked on reducing satellite brightness.
An earlier report by Dr. Mallama and his colleagues, published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society in 2025, found that all current internet-beaming constellations, except OneWeb, exceed the IAU-recommended brightness limits.
This story is a reminder that as we innovate and explore, we must consider the potential impact on our natural world and the research that depends on it. It's a delicate balance, and one that requires collaboration and thoughtful design. What are your thoughts on this delicate balance between technological advancement and preserving our natural environment? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments below!
