Yhn ScienceScience first seen 1 d ago, last 1 h ago, peak #4
Astronomer turns sinking Starlink satellites into planetary barometer
Original: Astronomer watches Starlink satellites sinking to build a 'planetary barometer'
An astronomer is tracking the gradual orbital decay of Starlink satellites to use them as a 'planetary barometer', reading how satellite drag responds to changes in the upper atmosphere. The proposal is drawing attention as an unexpected scientific repurposing of Elon Musk's Starlink constellation, which already concerns researchers because of its growing interference with ground-based astronomy.
Why now: People are discussing an inventive new use for Starlink satellites amid ongoing debate about mega-constellations' impact on astronomy.
Rank over time, top of the chart is #1. 4 snapshots from 5 h ago to 1 h ago.
Evidence
API: https://socialmediatrends-api.osmike.com/v1/trends/4323