As technology continues to evolve, it is important to recognize the unintended consequences that often come with it. A recent study has found that large radio telescopes can cause unexpected electromagnetic radiation to be emitted from the environment. This radiation can interfere with spacecraft communication and navigation systems, potentially leading to dangerous missions. The study, published in the journal Nature, was conducted by a team of researchers from the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan and other institutions. The team studied the emissions from the world’s largest radio telescope, the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile. They found that the amount of radiation emitted was much higher than expected and that the radiation was travelling farther than expected. This radiation could potentially interfere with the communication and navigation systems of orbiting spacecraft, potentially leading to dangerous mission outcomes. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of considering the unintended consequences of technological advancements.

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source: Phys.org