[shadowgovt]

Starlink hasn't rendered telescopes inoperative, nor will it. They still work for 99+% of viewing time, and the satellites in question are invisible on most of the radiation band telescopes can operate on.

This is a tempest in a teapot complaint. Ground-based telescopes already need to account for the existence of satellites, airplanes, birds, the ISS, etc. The Starlink constellation is just increasing the number of the things; it's not changing the nature of the challenge.

Or would you recommend we ban microwave ovens because they deliver noise near the radio spectra we use for Internet communication?

[ISL]

Banning microwave ovens (and RF transmission in general) is precisely what is done near radio-astronomy sites (see Green Bank, the SKA, etc.)

[shadowgovt]

... but not throughout the whole town housing the telescope.

[ISL]

Including the town housing the telescope: https://greenbankobservatory.org/the-land-where-the-internet...

[shadowgovt]

Do you propose to pass laws to turn the world into Green Bank, W.Va?

Because I, for one, kinda enjoy being able to have the conversation we're having right now.

[ISL]

We are having this conversation now without significantly impeding the work of astronomers.

[oh_sigh]

Is there anything that trumps the needs of astronomers in your book? If we could go to 100% carbon free energy, but severely reduce ground based astronomical observations, would you be against that?

[shadowgovt]

The article you linked to specifcally noted not only microwaves but also cellular towers and wifi were banned in Green Bank. I have no doubt that banning microwaves, cell towers, and wifi globally would make radio astronomy easier.

... but we also wouldn't be having this conversation, as I lack a land-line connection to the Internet right now.