Latest news with #Grigg
ABC News
6 days ago
- Science
- ABC News
Starlink satellites disrupting astronomy research in WA's Murchison, study finds
Global satellite internet service Starlink could interfere with the world's largest radio telescope being built in Western Australia's Murchison, a new study reveals. The Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) is an international project that aims to provide an unparalleled view of the universe, enabling scientists to explore the first billion years after the so-called dark ages, when the first stars and galaxies formed. Curtin University PhD researcher Dylan Grigg analysed 73 million images of the entire sky at different frequencies to examine how satellite signals were disrupting radio astronomy. His study indicated the future of WA's SKAO telescope, known as SKA-Low, could be in jeopardy, as radio noise spilling from thousands of Starlink satellites low orbiting Earth was already interfering with signals. Mr Grigg explored the 50—350 MHz frequency range that the SKA-Low would use during his three years of research. "We took an image of the sky every two seconds for about a month," he said. "In the end, we found that there were a lot of satellites, with the overwhelming majority of them being Starlink." Mr Grigg said Starlink satellites were emitting radio noise from onboard electronics, different to the designated downlink frequencies used for the internet. "It currently falls into a bit of a grey area of regulation," he said. "What they're doing is completely legal and fine, but it's interference for radio astronomy." Mr Grigg said SKA-Low aimed to seek out extremely faint signals emitting from the far reaches of the universe, but this would be challenging with "very noisy" satellites passing. "Even if your algorithms are very good for filtering some of this … it makes it really difficult." The ABC has contacted Starlink for comment. SKAO spectrum manager Federico Di Vruno said Mr Grigg's findings were consistent with SKAO's previous studies, but more work was needed to develop a clearer understanding of Starlink's impact on low-frequency observations. "Unintended electromagnetic radiation (UEMR) is an unregulated aspect of space which poses a challenge for radio astronomy," he said. The number of human-made objects in space has soared, with the Union of Concerned Scientists reporting that a record number of satellites were launched last year. But Mr Di Vruno said that, unlike the single station used in Mr Grigg's study, the SKA-Low would use many stations separated over a large distance, meaning the unwanted signals that satellites produced were not as much of a worry. "The SKA-Low telescope will be made of up to 512 stations spread over 74 kilometres," he said. "We are continuing to study the issue and raising it in international settings like the UN in collaboration with all stakeholders." International Centre for Radio Astronomy director Steven Tingay said he hoped Mr Grigg's report would stimulate conversation. "I characterise this particular study as, I think, the most comprehensive, unbiased study of the situation, setting down a bit of a baseline for what's going on at this particular point in time," Professor Tingay said. "We can then revisit this in future years and then go back and compare to the baseline and see what's changed — have things improved, have things not improved? Are there more signals? "And also, stimulate discussion, raising awareness with the general public that, yeah, there are some pretty obvious trade-offs between having global internet, which is an amazing thing, and preserving the sky for doing important science. "It's a trade-off there that I think the public should be aware of."
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Aussie researchers warn of 'unintended' Starlink issue amid growing adoption
Australian researchers are highlighting a frustrating problem in the skies above us as the growing number of satellites providing high-speed internet connectivity are having unintended consequences, potentially hindering our ability to understand the universe. New research has shown how the satellite technology of private companies like Starlink — increasingly relied upon by Aussies — is inadvertently interfering with the ability of researchers to study the depths of the cosmos. The warning comes after astronomers in Western Australia undertook the world's biggest study of low frequency satellite radio emissions. And it comes at a particularly critical time as construction continues in the state on what will become the world's largest radio telescope — a massive project known as the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) that promises to help answer some of the biggest questions in the field. "It's going to be the largest radio telescope of all time, and it's looking for very faint signals from the early universe," PhD candidate and study lead Dylan Grigg told Yahoo News Australia. "And so what we wanted to do was understand the prevalence of satellites at the frequencies that the Square Kilometre Array would be looking over." The researchers essentially took an image of the sky every two seconds for about a month, totalling some 76 million images. "We detected a lot of satellites in the images. The overwhelming majority of those were Starlink satellites," Grigg said. "And what we found was that they're not transmitting at their designated downlink frequency, there's some emissions coming from some electronics on board the satellites." At some frequencies about a third of the images were ultimately impacted, and the disturbance was observed at frequencies that are set aside for radio astronomy. For instance, 703 satellites were identified at 150.8 MHz, which is meant to be protected for radio astronomy. While Starlink, which had more than 7,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit during the period when the study was carried out, isn't doing anything wrong, the devices "just happen to be [emitting] over frequencies that radio astronomers will want to be conducting science with the SKA," Grigg said. Industry and academia clash as space fills up Australians in regional areas have increasingly adopted Starlink's internet services, with the company previously saying it has more than 200,000 local subscribers. While many residents in the bush rely on it for fast home internet, caravan travellers also take it on the road to stay connected at campgrounds and remote spots around the country. The WA astronomers don't dispute the boon the service provides, but hope the research will help lead to solutions to ensure scientists and private business can operate in harmony. "We've had a dialogue ongoing with SpaceX about it. They've made good mitigations in the past for optical astronomy, like they've painted their satellites with a darker paint, and they've put visors up on them. So we're hoping that by doing a study like this, we can continue the dialogue with them and hopefully see if we can get them to make some similar mitigations for radio as well." With Amazon launching satellites in a bid to compete with Starlink, and a raft of other companies launching their own satellites for various networks including emerging direct to mobile technology, low-Earth orbit is becoming an increasingly busy place. "Starlink isn't the only satellite network, but it is by far the biggest and its emissions are now increasingly prominent in our data," Executive Director of the Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy and study co-author Steven Tingay said in a statement. New SKA project puts astronomy on 'edge of golden era' Being assembled at more than 500 sites in the Australian outback and due to be finished by the end of the decade, the SKA will be the largest and most sensitive radio telescope on the planet. The international project has been likened to one of the world's biggest science experiments that will be able to peer back into the earliest time of the universe. "It'll be a game-changer," Grigg told Yahoo News. Professor Tingay said it will help answer some of the most important questions we have. "We're standing on the edge of a golden era where the SKA will help answer the biggest questions in science: how the first stars formed, what dark matter is and even test Einstein's theories," he said. "But it needs radio silence to succeed. We recognise the deep benefits of global connectivity but we need balance, and that starts with an understanding of the problem, which is the goal of our work." Their research highlighting the "unintended Starlink broadband emission on radio astronomy" in the SKA bands was published this month in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
Scoop
16-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Pacific Trade Ministers To Meet In Fiji
Minister of State for Trade and Investment Minister of State for Trade and Investment Nicola Grigg will travel to Fiji this week to attend the Pacific Island Forum's Trade Ministers Meeting (FTMM). 'Trade plays a critical role in getting more money into your back pocket, helping you and your family to thrive. It drives employment, economic growth, and lifts the standard of living in NewZealand and across the Pacific,' Ms Grigg says. The Pacific Island Forum's (PIF) biennial Trade Ministers Meeting will be held in Suva on 18 July. It is a key regional event, bringing together Pacific trade ministers to discuss and shape the future of trade and economic integration. 'The Government is strongly committed to supporting Pacific Island countries to grow the positive impacts of trade. New Zealand's attendance at the FTMM signals our continued commitment to regional cooperation, resilience, and leadership in advancing Pacific trade priorities under the 2050 Strategy for the Pacific Blue Continent,' Ms Grigg says. 'This key regional meeting provides a timely platform to discuss the critical importance of the rules-based trading system, with the World Trade Organisation at its core. This structure is particularly vital for small countries like New Zealand and PIF members. We are best served by a world in which trade flows freely governed by rules. 'I will attend a Fiji NewZealand Business Council event where the Council will launch its strategy to help reach the joint NewZealand and Fiji goal of lifting two-way trade to NZ$2 billion by 2030. 'I also look forward to engaging with my PACER Plus Ministerial counterparts. PACER Plus is the largest and most comprehensive trade agreement in our region. It is helping both large and small businesses — including women-led businesses — to grow; reduce costs through e-commerce and enhance regulatory cooperation between governments, streamline customs processes, paperless trade, and provisions on investment that protect investors; and to promote cross-border investment flows. 'While PACER Plus is a trade agreement, with currently 10 parties, that also speaks to the bonds between our nations, as neighbours, partners, and family, whose interests, prosperity, and well-being are intertwined.' The goal of lifting joint two-way trade with Fiji and New Zealand was set by our Prime Ministers in June last year. The Joint Statement by the Prime Ministers of Fiji and New Zealand can be read here.
Hamilton Spectator
07-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Zorra Township receives provincial grant to upgrade community centres
The Ontario government is investing just under $500,000 to protect jobs and upgrade two recreation facilities in Oxford. Just over half of that money will go towards much-needed improvements in Zorra. The township will receive $259,667 to upgrade aging refrigeration components and lighting at the Embro Zorra Community Centre and Thamesford District Recreation Centre, enhancing energy efficiency, improving safety and ensuring optimal conditions for ice sports. The investments are part of the province's $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), a provincewide initiative that helps communities revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living across Ontario. Deputy Mayor Katie Grigg said it's exciting news for the township. 'These funding streams are highly competitive, so we are very fortunate to have been successful with our applications. Our recreation facilities are such important hubs in our communities, as they are in all municipalities. Beyond just places we go to play sports and attend events, they are vital to gathering, forming connections, building supports between each other, and the facilitator of what makes these places the best places to call home.' Both Zorra recreation centres, in Embro and Thamesford, are aging and the township is facing tax pressures to keep them reliable for residents, as well as identifying areas for improvement to be more energy efficient. 'This grant funding will help ensure we are able to stay active, keep gathering, and not feel the stress on our tax levy that is already under the pressures of so many other rising costs,' added Grigg. 'Investing in local recreation facilities is an investment in the health and well-being of our communities,' said Ernie Hardeman, MPP for Oxford. 'I'm proud that our government is providing nearly $500,000 to support upgrades in Oxford. These improvements will ensure that families, youth, and seniors have safe, modern spaces to stay active and connected.' The province said it received over $1.2 billion in applications from across the province in what was a highly competitive grant application process. 'I have a background in fundraising and grant writing, however, I don't think that specific experience is necessary,' said Sofia Caldwell, the township's manager of recreation and facilities. 'Staff need to have a solid understanding of the project's need, value and alignment to the funder's goal to create a compelling case. There are also external professional grant writers available to support this work.' The total cost for all projects is approximately $500,000 spread across Zorra's 2025-2027 capital budgets. If projects come under budget, funds will return to reserves to be used for other high-priority initiatives and asset replacements. 'The Thamesford District Recreation Centre and Embro Zorra Community Centre are reaching their 100th anniversary, and while there have been significant renovations over the years, they now face critical capital needs to ensure the continued delivery of reliable and safe programming,' explained Caldwell. 'Our refrigeration equipment has reached the end of its useful life, leading to an increased risk of system failure and service disruption, and the lighting in our parking lots is insufficient and poses safety and accessibility risks.' Our patrons will experience consistently high-quality ice conditions, enhancing sports, figure skating, and public skating experiences as well as improved parking lot lighting which will contribute to a greater sense of safety and accessibility. Caldwell added the township is grateful to the province for investing in the community and recognizing the importance of providing rural communities with access to high-quality recreational opportunities. 'These projects will ensure that our two centres can remain a place for our community to gather and be active together for years to come, while also reducing the environmental impact.' 'At a time when Ontario families are facing rising costs due to tariffs, our government is proud to support organizations focused on delivering better services for people while breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for children and young people,' said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. 'With investments in infrastructure like this, we are protecting Ontario jobs, strengthening our communities and building a more resilient and self-reliant economy.' CSRIF is a key part of the government's plan to protect Ontario workers, businesses and families by unleashing the economy and getting more shovels in the ground, with a historic $200 billion investment to build highways, hospitals, transit, schools and other critical infrastructure across the province. Error! 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Newsweek
20-06-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Americans Told to Stay Indoors in Two States
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Air quality alerts for parts of Nevada and New Mexico were issued by The National Weather Service (NWS) Friday. In southwest Elko County in Nevada and areas downstream of the Trout Fire in Grant County, New Mexico, the general public was advised to limit outdoor activity, and vulnerable groups were advised to remain indoors to avoid potential health impacts. Why It Matters Severe air pollution and wildfire smoke can represent public health threats, particularly for children, older adults, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular issues. Air pollution was linked to an estimated 63,600 deaths in the U.S. in 2021, according to Statista. What To Know In Nevada, an air quality alert was posted for southwest Elko County—including Elko, Ryndon, Jiggs, Lamoille, Lee, South Fork, and Spring Creek. The alert cited "elevated particulate matter levels" likely to reach red/unhealthy air quality categories. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), at this level, some members of the general public may experience health effects, while members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. In New Mexico, the NWS warned of "unhealthy to hazardous" air quality due to wildfire smoke from the Trout Fire affecting the Sapillo Creek and Mimbres Valley along Highway 35 and Highway 152, between Santa Clara and San Lorenzo within Grant County. The advisory urged "everyone" to avoid any outdoor exertion, with specific warnings for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions, who "should remain indoors," according to the alert. "People with heart disease, symptoms such as a fast pulse or heartbeat, shortness of breath, or unusual weakness may indicate a health problem," it added. "If you have any of these, call your health care provider." The Trout fire, burning north of Silver City, had consumed more than 44,000 acres at the time of writing. What People Are Saying Professor of pediatric respiratory and environmental medicine Jonathan Grigg, with Queen Mary, University of London, previously told Newsweek: "There are vulnerable groups and classically they are children because they've got an extra issue to do with their lungs developing, whereas our lungs are not developing as adults. "Their trajectory can be deviated so they don't actually achieve their maximum lung function." There are also "very clear links" between inhaling particles and earlier death from both respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, Grigg said. Additionally, Grigg said conditions such as asthma are also exacerbated by exposure to air pollution. What Happens Next At the time of writing, the air quality alert for New Mexico was set to remain in effect through noon Friday. Meanwhile, the alert for Nevada was in effect until 11 a.m. on Saturday.
