SpaceX's new Starlink satellites are so radio noisy that they could blind radio astronomy observatories to the universe's most intriguing phenomena, scientists say.

The excess radio emissions from Starlink satellites threatens to hinder observations through radio telescopes, astronomers in Europe say.

Observations with the LOFAR (Low Frequency Array) radio telescope last year showed that first generation Starlink satellites emit unintended radio waves that can hinder astronomical observations.

This problem is only getting worse as SpaceX, the company behind Starlink, continues to launch dozens of new satellites each week. The unintended emissions from these satellites may even exceed international limits for interference, which could have serious implications for future radio astronomy.

Starlink and other satellite networks are vital for providing high speed internet to remote communities, but unintended radiation leakages are making life difficult for astronomers who need clear skies.

Satellite swarms orbiting the Earth are leaking more radiation into protected wavelength bands than ever. In fact, the second generation of Starlink satellites – known as the v2mini and v2mini Direct-to-Cell versions – are leaking up to 32 times more radiation than their predecessor.