Impact simulation of Starlink satellites on astronomical observation using worldwide telescope

Abstract

Along with the generalization and scale deployment of commercial satellite constellations lead by SpaceX Starlink, light pollution caused by satellites has had a serious impact on astronomical observations. In order to provide a friendly tool for simulating and studying the impact of mega-constellation satellites on astronomical observation, two plugin modules for the WorldWide Telescope were designed. The satellite visibility simulation module “Sats Tracker” shows whether and when satellites appear in a specific sky area. The telescope observation module “Obs Simulator” loads and simulates observation plans for telescopes. Combining the two modules, we are able to simulate and assess the influence of constellation satellites on a specific observatory at a given time. As an example application of the new tools, we simulated and analyzed the adverse effects of Starlink satellites on observation at the Xinjiang Altay Observatory, including impacts in general for the observatory site and detailed analysis for specific observation plans. In the simulation, the search for electromagnetic counterparts of gravitational wave events was used as an example of a research topic easily influenced by Starlink and other constellations. The software presented in this paper can be used as an auxiliary tool for observation planning to mitigate the impact of satellite constellations. It also provides an easy-to-use simulation toolkit for the public to understand Starlink and raise their awareness of Dark and Quiet Sky protection.