tech
Space mirrors could ruin astronomy
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TL;DR
- Reflect Orbital plans to launch a fleet of up to 50,000 space mirrors to provide sunlight on demand for solar energy, agriculture, and emergency lighting.
- Astronomers warn the mirrors will be exceptionally bright, posing risks of permanent eye damage and disrupting scientific observations.
- Experts from the American Astronomical Society and the Royal Astronomical Society have expressed grave concerns about the impact on astronomy and public safety.
- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved the initial test satellite, stating concerns about astronomical observations are outside its authority.
- Critics argue that the company's plans for safeguards are vague, and the overall brightness increase in the night sky could make ground-based astronomy impossible.
- There is a lack of comprehensive regulation for satellite brightness, leaving the protection of the night sky largely reliant on the goodwill of private companies.