Yhn ScienceScience first seen 1 d ago, last 30 min 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 how Starlink satellites gradually sink in their orbits, using the drag they experience to measure the density of Earth's upper atmosphere. The approach turns a common headache for astronomers — the growing swarm of satellites — into a global measuring instrument, a 'planetary barometer' for atmospheric conditions that affect satellite lifetimes and space operations.
Why now: The novel repurposing of Starlink satellites for atmospheric science is drawing attention amid ongoing debate about megaconstellations in orbit
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