Hickenlooper, Crapo Introduce Bill to Preserve Night Sky from Interference, Aid Research

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Mike Crapo introduced the bipartisan Dark and Quiet Skies Actto preserve the night sky from unintentional light and radio interference that disrupts industry and academic space research.

"Light and radio pollution from satellites are keeping space's mysteries beyond our reach," said Hickenlooper. "Preserving the darkness of the night sky will amplify our research."

"The peace and splendor of Idaho's wilderness at night is something to behold. With the advancement of space technology, these truly majestic spaces are becoming fewer. Establishing a Center of Excellence for Dark and Quiet Skies is a cause worth pursuing," said Crapo.

Scientific and commercial space observations can be disrupted by the light and radio transmission of passing satellites. In the last five years, the number of satellites in orbit increased from 2,200 to over 9,000 satellites. By 2030, current estimates predict there will be over 500,000.

The Dark and Quiet Skies Actwould create a Center of Excellence overseen by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop best practices to reduce light and noise interference. The Center would boost collaboration between the astronomical community, industry, and Federal agencies to protect federally-funded scientific research that observes the sky and celestial bodies.

Specifically, the Center would:

• Establish and circulate best practices to reduce unintentional optical and radio interference

• Conduct research and development on tracking, identifying, modeling, and characterizing satellite interference

• Develop mitigation technology that includes satellite paint, film, orientation adjustments, cooling techniques, or fuselage design

One pager of the bill available HERE and full text available HERE.

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