Dark and quiet skies for science and society.
In 2024 the Scientific and Technical Sub-Committee (STSC) of COPUOS agreed to include the item entitled "Dark and quiet skies, astronomy and large constellations: addressing emerging issues and challenges" on its provisional agenda for its sessions from 2025 to 2029. During previous years, UNOOSA had worked closely with Members of the Committee, the astronomy community including the SKAO, and the wider space community, to raise awareness of the value of dark and quiet skies. This joint workshop will provide an overview of activities carried out by astronomers and satellite operators as well as manufacturers to minimise the impact of satellites on the astronomical sciences. The discussion will encompass both mitigation measures against the effect of low-earth orbiting satellites crossing the field of view of optical telescopes as well as potential radio-frequency interference with radio astronomy observations. The workshop will also aim to identify and encourage the advancemen...