Topic: Light Pollution

Elon Musk's Starlink project has launched over 180 satellites into low Earth orbit, with plans for a total of 12,000. Astronomers have complained that the satellites' brightness is interfering with scientific observations. Speculation arises that Tesla vehicles may eventually serve as mobile ground stations or downlinks for the Starlink global internet network.

Adam Curry describes an exclusive star party near Bee Caves, Austin, featuring the Austin Astronomical Society. He recounts looking through high-powered, homebrew telescopes to view Jupiter and its moons, marking his first time using a telescope in decades. The event concluded with a musical performance by Dana Falkenberry in a wooded setting.

The travel narrative continues through the mountainous high desert of Utah to Joe's Valley, where the elevation reaches 9,000 feet. Observations from the trip include the abundance of roaming cattle, the lack of light pollution allowing for clear stargazing, and the sighting of a fast-moving satellite.

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open episode 121 of No Agenda from the Crackpot Command Center on August 13, 2009. The hosts discuss the weather in San Francisco and the inability to view a recent meteor shower due to fog and light pollution. They note similar poor visibility reports from the United Kingdom and Europe.