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Scientists look to black holes to know exactly where we are in the Universe. But phones and Wi-Fi are blocking the view (phys.org)

submitted 4 days ago by throws_lemy@lemmy.nz to c/astronomy@mander.xyz

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The scientists who precisely measure the position of Earth are in a bit of trouble. Their measurements are essential for the satellites we use for navigation, communication and Earth observation every day.

But you might be surprised to learn that making these measurements—using the science of geodesy—depends on tracking the locations of black holes in distant galaxies.

The problem is, the scientists need to use specific frequency lanes on the radio spectrum highway to track those black holes.

And with the rise of Wi-Fi, mobile phones and satellite internet, travel on that highway is starting to look like a traffic jam.

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[–] pennomi@lemmy.world 10 points 4 days ago (2 children)

I still think they should build out a lunar crater radio telescope out there on the dark side of the moon. The radio silence and scale would be impossible to get any other way.

[–] quediuspayu@lemmy.dbzer0.com 7 points 4 days ago (1 children)

That's the far side.

[–] pennomi@lemmy.world 2 points 3 days ago

Yes the far side of the moon is colloquially (and incorrectly) called the dark side of the moon. Thanks for the correction.

[–] ogmios@sh.itjust.works 6 points 4 days ago (1 children)

scale

That's an interesting thought I hadn't considered. The Webb is about as quiet as we're going to get anywhere near our orbit, but a lunar compound could very easily be much larger, and would be a great deal easier to service/upgrade.

[–] pennomi@lemmy.world 8 points 4 days ago

The dark side of the moon is shielded from the planet’s radio by the whole moon. So it’s a pretty attractive place to set up.

Plus, several candidate craters have favorable geometry for a massive radio telescope.

It truly is one of my favorite proposals.