Olga Zamora
Support astronomer at the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics
Regarding the article: 'Aggregate effects of proliferating low-Earth-orbit objects and implications for astronomical data lost in the noise'.
"The article is of good quality and focuses on the effects of an increase in the sky background due to the proliferation of space debris and new satellite megaconstellations. Several points of view are taken into account: from the significant economic cost to observatories of having to increase exposure times to carry out their scientific programmes to the cultural loss of night darkness for humanity. The work takes into account existing evidence about the already polluted night sky, even in places with the best conditions for astronomical observations, to which should be added the uncontrolled launch of small satellites into low-Earth orbit. Although the work focuses on the optical range, the consequences for radio astronomical observation would be catastrophic".
Regarding the article: 'A call for scientists to halt the spoiling of the night sky with artificial light and satellites':
"The article seeks to raise awareness of the loss of the night sky and the pernicious effects of satellite megaconstellations. The best measure to prevent this is, without a doubt, to avoid the uncontrolled launch of these satellite constellations into low-Earth orbit. The international regulatory framework on the use of outer space needs to be changed, a task that does not seem easy despite the efforts that have already been made to do so. The loss is not only for astronomy but for humanity as a whole, so in addition to calling on scientists to mobilise, other actions must be deployed to gain public support."