New explosions in Lebanon injure hundreds in second day

Hello. Today I bring you further updates on Lebanon, where exploding walkies-talkies killed 14 and injured hundreds a day after pagers blew up in similar fashion. My colleagues in the US have the latest on the interest rate cut announced by the Federal Reserve and what it means for the country's economy ahead of the election. We're also reporting on dead poets, English photography, and a capybara that flew the coop.

QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Musk's satellites 'blocking' view of the universe

Starlink satellites are usually easily seen by the naked eye in the night sky. Credit: Getty Images

Radio waves from Elon Musk’s growing network of Starlink satellites are blocking scientists’ ability to peer into the universe, according to the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON). SpaceX, which owns Starlink, has not replied to a request from BBC News for comment.

What do Starlink satellites do?

The satellites provide broadband internet around the world, often to remote places, including challenging environments like Ukraine and Yemen. Even in well connected countries, they are used to provide fast internet to remote areas. But the new generation of Starlink satellites are interfering more with radio telescopes than earlier versions, scientists say.

Why?

Many objects in space, including distant galaxies and planets, emit light on the electromagnetic spectrum. This radiation travels like waves and radio telescopes can pick up on those waves, allowing us to get a picture of things we can't see with our eyes. But those waves are being disturbed by satellites. The scientists found unintended electromagnetic radiation from almost all the V2 Starlink satellites observed. They say it was about 10 million times brighter than from the weakest sources of light identified.

How many satellites of this type are there?

One estimate suggests there are 6,402 Starlink satellites currently in orbit, external at around 342 miles (550km) above Earth, making it the largest provider by far. SpaceX's main competitor, OneWeb, has fewer than 1,000. But it is a growing business area. Amazon is developing its own network and hopes to launch at least 3,000 in the next few years. By 2030 the number of satellites in orbit is expected to surpass 100,000.

THE BIG PICTURE

The Indians duped into fighting for Russia

A group of discharged men near the Russia-Ukraine border on their way out. Credit: Supplied

Last week, the Indian government announced that Russia had discharged dozens of the 91 Indians who were duped into fighting for Russian forces in the country's war with Ukraine. Some of them have told the BBC about their struggles on the frontline they were forced to join - and the friends they have seen killed.

And finally... in England

I told you on Tuesday about Cinnamon, the capybara whose escape from a Shropshire zoo has prompted a search party in nearby fields. The furry fugitive has been spotted by a drone overnight, "munching on grass quite happily". But Cinnamon's keepers have yet to catch her.