Scientists, looking deep into space, have long voiced their concerns that satellites are encroaching on their ability to study the cosmos.
Scientists, looking deep into space, have long voiced their concerns that satellites are encroaching on their ability to study the cosmos.
Well the issue is that not everything is black and white.
On one hand, these satellites can potentially absolutely wreak havok on astronomy, and our own view of the night sky. Nobody wants that.
On the other hand, in a few years, these satellites are able to provide cheap internet all over the planet, which would allow poor remote communities in South America, Africa, and Asia access to the internet, which is practically impossible through any other means. IMO, its worth the tradeoff. I think helping people is more important than astronomy, but I recognize that that’s just my opinion
Sure, but you’re creating a false dichotomy to get to your conclusion. The way Starlink is creating its satellite network is not the only way to create one. Viasat doesn’t blanket the globe in satellites.
Okay but you’re falling into Elon’s trap. You can’t weigh future potential against current harm naively. Particularly when it comes from somebody with a long history of over promising and under delivering. Since we pay the full price up front (loss of science, etc) but will never reap the full benefits promised.
For instance: it could help remote villages or third world countries. But Starlink costs a pretty penny in western money those places lack. Otherwise they would already have traditional infrastructure.
I agree that we can’t trust Elon… but hasn’t Starlink already helped Ukrainians? I remember he messed it up for a bit, but if we took Elon out of the picture but kept Starlink, the debate gets more interesting.
If you are like the guy you are responding to and prioritize people over astrology(which I’m not sure I do tbh), I don’t think they are being naive weighing future potential vs current harm. Easy internet access anywhere in the world vs deep space study from Earth isn’t black and white.
Personally, I’d choose space, but I can imagine a lot of people would choose the more humanitarian approach.
Most people value everything over astrology…
Ironically, starlink was used by illegal miners on the Amazon to coordinate operations and avoid policing.
https://edition.cnn.com/2023/03/16/americas/spacex-starlink-amazon-brazil-mining-intl-latam/index.html
Yes the internet is indeed useful to have
Ribbit