Home News IAU CPS Co-organizes IAU Symposium 385: Astronomy and Satellite Constellations

IAU CPS Co-organizes IAU Symposium 385: Astronomy and Satellite Constellations

April 4, 2023

The proliferation of satellites launched into orbit around the Earth has improved our ability to communicate globally instantaneously; however, there are concerns about the impact these technologies have on astronomical observations and the preservation of dark and quiet skies. The rapid growth in light pollution, which is only being exacerbated by the new satellites, impacts the entire society. Many of us have never seen an unobscured night sky and over a third of humanity cannot see the Milky Way. These new satellites are encroaching on the few remaining dark sky reserves and radio-quiet zones.

To address the problem, the IAU Symposium 385: Astronomy and Satellite Constellations: Pathways Forward will take place in La Palma, Canary Islands, Spain. 2–6, October 2023 with the support of the International Astronomical Union (IAU)’s newest specialist centre, the Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky from Satellite Constellation Interference (CPS) co-hosted by NSF’s NOIRLab and the SKA Observatory (SKAO). The Symposium local organiser is the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias and the scientific organisers are listed here.

The symposium is planned as a dedicated space where astronomers, industry, space lawyers and other interested stakeholders can share the current status of their work with respect to large satellite constellations and their impact on astronomy and the night sky. Through presentations, panel discussions and networking, the current status of studies, observations and mitigations will be explored and gaps addressed to help define further the pathways forward.

More information

The IAU is the international astronomical organisation that brings together more than 12 000 active professional astronomers from more than 100 countries worldwide. Its mission is to promote and safeguard astronomy in all its aspects, including research, communication, education and development, through international cooperation. The IAU also serves as the internationally recognised authority for assigning designations to celestial bodies and the surface features on them. Founded in 1919, the IAU is the world's largest professional body for astronomers.

Contacts

Lars Lindberg Christensen
IAU Director of Communications
Cell: +1 520 461 0433/+49 173 38 72 621
Email: lars.christensen@noirlab.edu

Images

Poster for IAU Symposium 385

Credit: IAU CPS See more

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