Phones and WiFi are interfering with scientists’ ability to precisely locate Earth in space. This challenge affects global systems like satellite navigation, internet, and climate monitoring. Scientists rely on black holes’ radio signals to calibrate satellite positions, but modern communication technologies are jamming those critical signals.

BulletsIn

• Phones, WiFi, and satellites clog radio spectrum, disrupting space-based Earth measurements
• Scientists use distant black holes to calibrate satellite positions via radio telescopes
• Black holes emit stable radio signals, perfect for fixing Earth’s location in space
• Geodesy relies on these signals to maintain satellite accuracy for navigation, internet, and power grids
• Rising radio traffic from 6G, WiFi, and satellite internet blocks weak black hole signals
• Past workaround: using higher frequencies—now mostly occupied
• Too much interference risks failure in climate tracking, supply chains, GPS, and banking
• Only few narrow radio bands are reserved for astronomy—insufficient now
• Scientists call for more protected spectrum lanes and radio-quiet zones
• Global coordination needed—radio telescopes worldwide function as one giant system