Once you start using any optics they will be visible.
https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/2101/2101.00374.pdf#:~:te....
https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/what-is-stellar-ma...
I might sit down and do the math to see how 1500 satellites at mag 6 compares to 60 at mag 2.
> I think it's a bit early to dismiss the whole sky effect of multiple Starlink-style constellations in operation.
I wasn't trying to dismiss their effect, just address the people who say "you think those 60 are bad, imagine when there are 20,000", or "there go the Americans, ruining the night sky for the whole world".
I have no idea how oneweb or blue origin will handle this issue.
> Also isn't Starlink intending to do launches for the rest of time?
Their satellites are designed for a 5 year lifespan. Without constant boosts, they will deorbit and burn up fully in the atmosphere. This is great, because they will not become space junk, and they can't cause the dreaded kessler syndrome. The downside is that they will need to be constantly replenished. Hopefully this will be streamlined when they can launch 600 at a time, reducing the number of launches by a factor of 10.
