U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado) have reintroduced the bipartisan Dark and Quiet Skies Act, which aims to address concerns about interference with night sky observations caused by satellites.
Senator Crapo emphasized the importance of preserving Idaho’s wilderness for stargazing, stating, “The vastness of Idaho’s wilderness allows for truly magnificent wonders in the night sky. The advancement of space technology has made these majestic spaces fewer, and collaborative approaches to mitigate interference is vitally needed.”
Senator Hickenlooper highlighted bipartisan support for balancing scientific research with a strong space economy. “There’s bipartisan agreement that we need a strong space economy and cutting-edge scientific research to unlock the mysteries of our universe,” he said. “The Dark and Quiet Skies Act helps us do both. This is a no-brainer solution, and we’re pushing to get it done.”
The issue stems from the rapid increase in satellites orbiting Earth. In 2019, there were approximately 2,200 satellites; this number grew to over 11,000 by 2024. Projections indicate there could be more than 60,000 satellites by 2030.
If enacted, the legislation would establish a Center of Excellence under the National Institute of Standards and Technology. This center would focus on developing best practices to reduce light and radio interference affecting astronomical observations. It would also encourage voluntary cooperation among scientists, industry representatives, and federal agencies in researching and deploying mitigation techniques.
