Satellites and space junk may make dark night skies brighter, hindering astronomy and hiding stars from our view

Satellites and space junk may make dark night skies brighter, hindering astronomy and hiding stars from our view

Since time immemorial, humans around the world have gazed up in wonder at the night sky.

The starry night sky has not only inspired countless works of music, art and poetry, but has also played an important role in timekeeping, navigation and agricultural practices in many traditions.

For many cultures, the night sky, with its stars, planets and the Milky Way, is considered just as important a part of the natural environment as the forests, lakes and mountains below.

Starlink satellites already leave streaks on astronomical photographs – but growth in satellites and debris will make the whole sky brighter.
Starlink satellites already leave streaks on astronomical photographs – but growth in satellites and debris will make the whole sky brighter. ( Rafael Schmall / NOIRLab, CC BY)

Countless people around the world gaze at the night sky: not only amateur and professional astronomers, but also casual observers who enjoy looking up at the stars to contemplate our place in the cosmos.

However, the night sky is changing.

Not only is

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View from an Oregon special education administrator: Mental health, behavior, staffing among biggest challenges

View from an Oregon special education administrator: Mental health, behavior, staffing among biggest challenges

This is another story in OPB’s series on the state of special education. You can read the first story here, the second story here, and the most recent story here.

OPB’s series on the state of special education has featured students, parents, and staff members across the Portland area. The series has found that some students with disabilities are missing out on school while staff are stretched thin trying to deal with increased needs.

Education reporter Elizabeth Miller recently spoke with a top staff member at one of Oregon’s largest school districts, Beaverton special education administrator Kelly Raf, about the challenges she sees from the district office.

This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity.

Kelly Raf: Special education is a field that is always growing and evolving. We’re always responding to the increased needs that we’re seeing in

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