Re:How satellite ‘megaconstellations’ will photobomb astrono...
by 51Cards on Thursday August 27, 2020 @07:23AM
(#24292530)
In this sample image it's not just the white streak but the glow caused by it which extends about 5-8x it's width to either side. More like 20% of this image is unreliable data.
Taking multiple exposures isn't always possible, this may be a continuous multi-hour exposure. Additionally if you're looking for transients, NEOs, or star field mapping then there is definitely lost data that can't just be inferred.
The conversation isn't just about halting launches. It's about recognizing and working to mitigate the issue now before we get too far down this path.... and accepting that it's not a trivial "photoshop" problem.
Taking multiple exposures isn't always possible, this may be a continuous multi-hour exposure. Additionally if you're looking for transients, NEOs, or star field mapping then there is definitely lost data that can't just be inferred.
The conversation isn't just about halting launches. It's about recognizing and working to mitigate the issue now before we get too far down this path.... and accepting that it's not a trivial "photoshop" problem.