It is predicted that from 2030, seven years from now, it will be difficult to observe the stars in the night sky.
The British Daily Telegraph reported that the race to launch satellites from around the world could be the cause.
On the 28th local time, the Telegraph, citing the results of research by experts, warned that within the next 10 years, a pile of artificial satellites in the night sky would obstruct observations and make it difficult to find extraterrestrial life.
According to reports, there are currently about 8,000 satellites orbiting the Earth, a fourfold increase compared to 2019, and are expected to increase exponentially over the next few decades.
Currently, about 400,000 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites have been approved worldwide, including plans for Elon Musk's space exploration company SpaceX to launch 44,000 cluster satellites to build an Internet network.
The problem is that satellites covered with various metallic materials reflect sunlight back to Earth, which interferes with astronomers' astronomical observations through optical telescopes.
In addition, the Telegraph pointed out that satellites that shoot internet signals can cause problems in radio telescope operation.
Professor Tony Tyson of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) said, "If you go to a dark place in 2030 and look up at the sky, you will see a very eerie sight." There will be very few stars that can do it," he said.
In fact, difficulties in astronomical observations due to artificial satellites are occurring all over the place.
The Vera Rubin Telescope installed in the mountainous regions of north-central Chile and the Hubble Telescope operated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NAS) are already experiencing problems with satellites not taking astronomical images properly.
Another problem is the flames created when satellites stop working and re-enter the atmosphere and burn up.
Satellite companies such as SpaceX are seeking technical solutions in preparation for this possibility, but the effect is unknown.
According to the Telegraph, experts are urging the introduction of international regulations, such as limiting the number of satellites and obliging launch companies to remove satellites that have stopped operating from orbit.