Starlink Satellites Via Astronycsc

Starlink Satellites via astronycsc

Starlink refers to a satellite internet constellation project developed by SpaceX, the private aerospace manufacturer and space transportation company founded by Elon Musk. The goal of the Starlink project is to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet service to underserved and remote areas around the world.

Starlink, as a satellite internet constellation, has raised concerns about its potential to cause visible optical interference or "satellite trails" in the night sky. This interference occurs when sunlight reflects off the satellites, making them visible as bright points of light moving across the sky.

The individual satellites in the Starlink constellation are equipped with solar panels and reflective surfaces, which can catch and reflect sunlight when they are in the dark part of the Earth but are still illuminated by the Sun. This can result in visible trails of light moving across the night sky.

Astronomers and astrophotographers have expressed concerns about the impact of these satellite trails on astronomical observations. The bright streaks created by the reflections can interfere with observations of celestial objects and may be particularly disruptive for long-exposure astrophotography.

SpaceX, the company behind Starlink, has acknowledged these concerns and has been actively working on mitigating the impact of satellite reflections on astronomical observations. They have been testing various solutions, including adjustments to the satellites' orientation, changes in the satellite design, and coatings to reduce reflectivity.

One attempt to address this issue involved the launch of a prototype satellite called "DarkSat" or "VisorSat." This satellite had experimental coatings to reduce its reflectivity and make it less visible from the Earth. However, the effectiveness of such measures is still under evaluation.

By the time I get into bed, I find myself picking up my phone and just scrolling and scrolling and scrolling. I stay up past my bedtime, despite being exhausted and knowing I'd be better off going to sleep. This behavior is called "revenge bedtime procrastination."

(via How to stop revenge bedtime procrastination and get better sleep)

"Revenge bedtime procrastination" refers to a phenomenon where individuals, who feel that they lack control over their daytime activities, intentionally delay going to bed as a way to reclaim a sense of freedom and leisure during the late evening or early morning hours. This behavior often involves staying up late to engage in activities such as watching TV, browsing the internet, playing video games, or using social media.

Reindeer can see UV light along with dogs, cats, pigs, and even ferrets.

(via Reindeer can see UV light—and we may know why | Popular Science)

Does a plane have a horn? Let's find out.

The use of horns in the air is not practical due to the vast distances and three-dimensional airspace involved in aviation. However, an aircraft still has a 'make some noise' button, at least something similar to traditional horns.

Airbus, it is your turn.

YouTuber parents Ben and Kami Crawford, accompanied by their six children, achieved a remarkable feat by successfully completing the 26.2-mile Flying Pig marathon in Cincinnati, Ohio. Notably, one of the family members, the resilient 6-year-old boy named Rainer, showcased exceptional determination by completing the marathon in a commendable 8 hours and 35 minutes—apparently, all in exchange for the enticing reward of two cans of Pringles.

According to a post on the family’s Instagram, Rainier was “crying” and “struggling physically” toward the end. As an incentive to keep moving, the Crawfords said they promised Rainier two cans of Pringles. 

via today.com

NASA’s Psyche spacecraft accomplished yet another historic communications achievement less than a month after successfully firing its “first light” laser data transmission. On December 11, the onboard Deep Space Optical Communications array’s flight laser transceiver sent an “ultra-high definition” video clip approximately 19 million miles (31 million kilometers, or about 80 times the Earth-Moon distance) back to Earth—a new record not just for transmission, but for cat videos, as well.

(via Taters the cat stars in first 'ultra-HD' video sent from deep space | Popular Science)