Satellite crossing trails in the image of the galaxy ARP248, captured by the Hubble Space Telescope
NASA, ESA, Kruk et al.
Light trails from satellites appeared in twice as many photos taken by the Hubble Space Telescope in 2021 compared to 2002. Although unwanted light rays have not yet interfered with Hubble’s science operations, they may in the future. the future, particularly as the number of communications satellites launched is increasing.
Hubble orbits Earth at an altitude of around 535 kilometers, which is lower than many orbiting satellites. When taking long-exposure photos, where its light-sensitive aperture is open…