Keeping the sky dark and quiet

What happened

The European Space Agency (ESA) and the International Astronomical Union’s Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky (IAU CPS) have signed an agreement at the International Astronautical Congress to strengthen cooperation and develop technical solutions to keep the sky dark and quiet. For thousands of years, the night sky has inspired humanity, guided explorers and helped scientists unlock the mysteries of the Universe. The European Space Agency is a research and development company based in Paris.

As the number of satellites in orbit grows, their reflected light and radio frequency interference become a challenge for both professional astronomy and simple stargazing. Space Safety Keeping the sky dark and quiet 08/10/2026 6 views 0 likes ESA / Space Safety / Clean Space For thousands of years, the night sky has inspired humanity, guided explorers and helped scientists unlock the mysteries of the Universe.

Disrupting observations The industrialisation of low-Earth orbit with the rapid growth of satellite constellations is creating unintended impacts on astronomy. Most people have seen satellites streaking across the sky in the hours after sunset: bright dots that move faster than any plane could.