Amazon’s new satellite constellation, aimed at providing internet from space, is raising concerns among astronomers. A recent study found that these satellites are bright enough to interfere with important astronomical observations.
According to the study posted on Arxiv, the Amazon satellites have an average brightness that surpasses the limits set by the International Astronomical Union (IAU). This brightness can disrupt both ground-based telescopes and space observatories like the Hubble Space Telescope.
Lead author Anthony Mallama from the IAU’s Center for Protection of the Dark And Quiet Sky pointed out that these bright objects can significantly impact large-scale surveys conducted by observatories such as the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. About 25% of the time, astronomers can see the satellites without needing telescopes.
These Amazon satellites orbit at about 391 miles (630 kilometers) above the Earth, which makes them less visible but still a problem for researchers. In comparison, SpaceX’s Starlink satellites are somewhat dimmer, and they mostly benefit from being in Earth’s shadow.
Upcoming Amazon satellites are expected to orbit even lower, at 366 miles (590 kilometers), potentially increasing their visibility. This change has experts like John Barentine, a dark sky specialist, worried because the satellites can be particularly bright during twilight hours.
As of now, Amazon has launched about 180 satellites, with plans to expand to more than 3,200. While the brightness is a concern, Mallama commended Amazon for working with astronomers to minimize the impact on the night sky. They are exploring ways to reduce visibility by adjusting the satellites’ reflective surfaces.
Barentine noted that since the launch of test satellites in 2023, engineers at Amazon have already made strides in reducing the light reflecting from the satellites. This collaboration between satellite companies and astronomers is a positive step in preserving our view of the universe.
The issue of satellite brightness isn’t new. Astronomers began raising alarms after the first batch of Starlink satellites was launched in 2019, causing noticeable streaks in telescope images. Since then, both SpaceX and Amazon have worked on solutions, but the challenge remains significant. A report from November 2025 highlighted that most operational internet-beaming constellations, like the Chinese projects Qianfan and Guowang, also exceed recommended brightness levels.
The conversation about the balance between technological advancements and astronomical research is ongoing. As more satellites go up, it’s vital for companies to consider their impact on scientific discovery. For now, astronomers hope the dialogue continues and yields effective solutions.
