"We are talking about an earth-space environmental system here. We must be conscious that everything we put up will put more of a load on that system. We have to figure out how to develop space that is safe and environmentally sustainable," says Dr. Michael Byers.
Byers is a professor of Global Politics and International Law at the University of British Columbia and holds the Canada Research Chair in Global Politics and International Law. He is also the co-director of the Outer Space Institute (OSI). The professor visited Bodø, Northern Norway, for the High North Dialogue conference.
"If we're not smart, we will screw up space, just like we screwed up parts of our planet," he stated during a conference session titled "**New Realities: The High North in New Space."**
High North News met with Byers to talk about the rapid increase of satellites orbiting Earth, the light pollution they represent, and the risk of space debris ruining the ozone layer.
### Non-regulated light pollution
Light pollution is the human-made alteration of outdoor light levels from those occurring naturally. It most commonly refers to light pollution on Earth, which can negatively affect wildlife and ecosystems, human health, energy, and climate change.
However, an increasing number of satellites is now becoming a source of light pollution from above, threatening the cultural heritage of the night sky.
Most satellites are solar-powered, meaning they reflect sunlight even when it is nighttime on Earth. Since satellites are much closer to us than the stars and planets, the reflected light can be stronger than that of the other objects visible to us in the night sky.
True _dark and quiet skies_ are in short supply, and many people will never experience a truly dark sky devoid of light pollution in their lifetime. Dark skies are important for animals, such as migratory birds, and hold cultural significance not only to Indigenous peoples but also to people in general, who are becoming more disconnected from the universe as stargazing becomes more and more difficult.
Yet, there are no regulations concerned with reducing light pollution in our night skies, says Dr. Byers to HNN.
The aesthetic value of the dark sky holds little significance when compared to the value of cell service, climate change surveillance, forest fire detection, fisheries enforcement, weather data, and GPS.
### Astronomers pushing back
Light pollution also poses significant challenges for astronomers. Since satellites are moving, they can create streaks of light across images. They can also be in the line of vision when telescopes are trying to look at objects millions of lightyears away, blocking the view at distances of just 500 kilometers, a phenomenon called occultation.
The satellites also cause radio interference, as radio transmissions can swamp the radio waves astronomers use to learn about space.
"The governments have invested many billions of euros into observatories and telescopes. The amount of public money that has gone to astronomy is much greater than the money in the space industry. So why is this relatively small industry allowed to affect this decades-long public investment in science?" asks Byers.
He explains that the astronomers are very organized and have put this issue on the UN agenda, using the term "dark and quiet skies."