East Idaho Times

U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colorado) have introduced the bipartisan Dark and Quiet Skies Act aimed at preserving the night sky from unintentional light and radio interference that disrupts industry and academic space research.

“The peace and splendor of Idaho’s wilderness at night is something to behold. With the advancement of space technology, these truly majestic spaces are becoming fewer. Establishing a Center of Excellence for Dark and Quiet Skies is a cause worth pursuing,” said Crapo.

“Light and radio pollution from satellites are keeping space’s mysteries beyond our reach,” said Hickenlooper. “Preserving the darkness of the night sky will amplify our research.”

Scientific and amateur space observations can be disrupted by the light and radio transmission of passing satellites. In the last five years, the number of satellites in orbit increased from 2,200 to over 9,000 satellites. Current estimates predict there will be over 500,000 by 2030.

The Dark and Quiet Skies Act would create a Center of Excellence overseen by the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop best practices to reduce light and noise interference. The Center would boost collaboration between the astronomical community, industry, and Federal agencies to protect federally-funded scientific research that observes the sky and celestial bodies.

Full text of the bill is available HERE.