Podcast Episode
The study, posted to the preprint server ArXiv on 12th January, found that Amazon LEO satellites have an average apparent magnitude of 6.28ÔÇöinvisible to the unaided eye under typical conditions but still bright enough to interfere with professional astronomical research. A striking 92% of the spacecraft exceeded brightness limits recommended by the International Astronomical Union.
Large-scale surveys at facilities like the Vera C. Rubin Observatory are particularly affected, but even space-based instruments like the Hubble Space Telescope can experience interference. In roughly a quarter of observations, Amazon satellites appeared bright enough to create visible streaks and artifacts during twilight periods.
Despite the concerns, Amazon has worked proactively with astronomers since the design phase. Engineers have implemented several mitigation techniques, including mirror-like coatings on satellite undersides and orientation adjustments to minimise sunlit surfaces visible from Earth.
A November 2025 study found that nearly all operational internet-beaming constellationsÔÇöincluding SpaceX's Starlink and China's Qianfan and Guowang systemsÔÇöexceed IAU-recommended brightness limits. Only OneWeb satellites, operating at higher altitudes, met the guidelines.
Amazon's Satellites Are Too Bright for Astronomers
January 26, 2026
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A new study reveals that 92% of Amazon's LEO satellites exceed international brightness limits set to protect astronomical research. While the satellites are invisible to the naked eye, they're still bright enough to contaminate telescope observations with streaks and artifacts.
Amazon's Growing Satellite Fleet Outshines Astronomy Guidelines
Amazon's internet-beaming satellite constellation is exceeding international brightness limits designed to protect scientific observations, according to new research analysing nearly 2,000 observations of the company's low Earth orbit spacecraft.The study, posted to the preprint server ArXiv on 12th January, found that Amazon LEO satellites have an average apparent magnitude of 6.28ÔÇöinvisible to the unaided eye under typical conditions but still bright enough to interfere with professional astronomical research. A striking 92% of the spacecraft exceeded brightness limits recommended by the International Astronomical Union.
Impact on Major Observatories
The findings raise concerns for astronomical facilities worldwide. Lead author Anthony Mallama, an astronomer at the IAU Centre for Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky, noted that bright satellites pose challenges for both terrestrial and orbital observatories.Large-scale surveys at facilities like the Vera C. Rubin Observatory are particularly affected, but even space-based instruments like the Hubble Space Telescope can experience interference. In roughly a quarter of observations, Amazon satellites appeared bright enough to create visible streaks and artifacts during twilight periods.
Context and Mitigation Efforts
The constellation currently comprises 180 satellites orbiting at 630 kilometres, with plans to expand to over 3,200 spacecraft. Future satellites will operate at lower altitudes of around 590 kilometres, potentially increasing their brightness further.Despite the concerns, Amazon has worked proactively with astronomers since the design phase. Engineers have implemented several mitigation techniques, including mirror-like coatings on satellite undersides and orientation adjustments to minimise sunlit surfaces visible from Earth.
A November 2025 study found that nearly all operational internet-beaming constellationsÔÇöincluding SpaceX's Starlink and China's Qianfan and Guowang systemsÔÇöexceed IAU-recommended brightness limits. Only OneWeb satellites, operating at higher altitudes, met the guidelines.
Published January 26, 2026 at 9:32am
