Examples of Media hype of technical issues

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The discussion centers on the impact of electromagnetic (EM) emissions from satellites, particularly SpaceX's Starlink, on radio astronomy. It highlights that while these emissions are measurable from Earth and can interfere with astronomical sensors, they do not violate electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) regulations and are not classified as significant electromagnetic interference (EMI). The conversation critiques sensationalized headlines, contrasting a straightforward title about satellite emissions with more alarming phrasing like "leaking radiation." It emphasizes that the emissions occur in protected frequencies for astronomical instruments but notes that protection is limited to the immediate area around telescopes. As satellite constellations grow, the potential for interference increases, raising concerns about resource sharing between satellite communications and radio astronomy. However, some argue that the brief duration of satellite crossings and their nature as nearby point sources minimize the impact on data collection through interferometry.
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Sometimes a news story just isn't much of a news story without some serious spin.

In this case, the basic story is that EM emissions from the electronic circuitry on satellites is measurable from the Earth's surface and is likely to interfere with radio astronomy.
These EM emission are at low frequencies and very low power. They do not violate any EMC regulatory requirements. In fact, they don't really fall under the definitions of "EMI" or "Radiative Emissions" (although they are radiative emissions).
So, you might want to title such an article "Satellite EM emissions a problem for Radio Astronomy". But does that title really grab you?

How about this: "SpaceX's Starlink Satellites Are Leaking Radiation, Scientists Confirm"

Of course, you're thinking "Leaking Radiation", hmmm, electric shaver, laptop, auto ignition system, but certainly not Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, Fukushima. Right?
 
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What I read is that, specifically, they are leaking radiation in the protected frequencies of astronomical sensors. And it's enough to interfere with earth-based instruments. And that's a problem that will certainly get worse as we increase the constellations of sats in our skies.
 
DaveC426913 said:
What I read is that, specifically, they are leaking radiation in the protected frequencies of astronomical sensors.
The protection only extends to the immediate area of the telescope.
Since the satellites are outside those boundaries, the frequencies are not protected.
So, the satellites fall in the same category as your electric razor.
Of course, there is a valid point. As Radio Astronomy becomes more sensitive and satellites become more numerous, there is a growing resource sharing issue..
 
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Leaking? Can't you just put a lid on it?
(I bet people think this about Elon Musk all the time)
 
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I really don't think there is a problem.

The satellite will spend less than a second crossing the beam of the antenna. That is nothing new.

Satellites are nearby point sources, so signals will not correlate during interferometry.
 
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