The mean apparent magnitude of Amazon Leo satellites is 6.28 based on 1,938 observations. For spacecraft in their operational mode, 92% exceeded the brightness limit recommended by the IAU for interference with research, while 25% distract from aesthetic appreciation of the night sky. The reflective characteristics are similar to Version 1 Starlink spacecraft.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2601.07708,
title = {Brightness Characterization and Modeling for Amazon Leo Satellites},
author = {Anthony Mallama and Richard E. Cole and Hui Zhi and Brad Young and Jay Respler and Olga Zamora and Michelle Dadighat},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2601.07708},
year = {2026}
}
Comments
This manuscript was reviewed by two referees assigned by the IAU Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky