Friday December 11, 2020

Last week, when a ‘train’ of bright objects were spotted moving briskly across the night sky, Moabites started speculating on social media – UFO? Military activity? Nope. It was Starlink, an ambitious yet controversial satellite constellation project from SpaceX, aiming to provide internet to underserved and rural areas. Scientists say continued plans for Starlink will ‘fundamentally change’ astronomy and the appearance of the night sky for stargazers worldwide. Today on the news, some history and perspective from a local astronomer.

Plus, our Weekly News Reel, where we catch up with the Moab Sun News and The Times-Independent about some of their latest stories.

(05:30) First up, Times-Independent editor Doug McMurdo has some highlights about Moab City’s ‘biggest ever’ September sales tax figures, a coupon program from Moab City to encourage residents to ‘buy local,’ and some off-highway vehicle manufacturers’ opposition to vehicles like ATVs and UTVs using on-highway roads.

(15:30) Next, the Moab Sun News takes a dive into what local frontline healthcare employees have to say about their work related to COVID-19. Plus, snow experts expect more recreation in the backcountry this year and a local climber removes some highline gear from Castleton Tower, hoping to prevent search and rescue calls. Editor Maggie McGuire reports.

Show Notes:

Photo: Starlink in the Moab night sky on 12/4/20. Courtesy Crystal White.

American Astronomy Society: Impact of Satellite Constellations on Optical Astronomy and Recommendations Toward Mitigation
https://aas.org/sites/default/files/2020-08/SATCON1-Report.pdf
FindStarlink.Com
https://findstarlink.com/#38.5677,North,109.5271,West;3

Weekly News Reel Mentions –

The Times-Independent: What a comeback
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/what-a-comeback/
The Times-Independent: City approves economic stimulus plan for locals
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/city-approves-economic-stimulus-plan-for-locals/
The Times-Independent: UTV maker groups want them off paved roads due to safety
https://www.moabtimes.com/articles/utv-maker-groups-want-them-off-paved-roads-due-to-safety/

The Moab Sun News: Health officials have hope but urge caution
https://www.moabsunnews.com/covid-19/article_d3a14daa-3b1f-11eb-8e52-ef5b6fed5b03.html
The Moab Sun News: Tricky snow and more backcountry users worry experts – Avalanche Center increases outreach
https://www.moabsunnews.com/news/article_7eff07fe-3b21-11eb-b424-3b6c4bc75a5f.html
The Moab Sun News: Rescue on Castleton – climbers stranded after rappelling from highline anchors
https://www.moabsunnews.com/news/article_cc4acb2c-3754-11eb-8e79-87b359b4f687.html