Mmastodon ScienceSpace Policy first seen 1 d ago, last 43 min ago, peak #3
Astronomers warn planned 50,000 orbital mirrors would ruin the night sky
Original: "'They're saying we want to launch 50,000 mirrors by 2035,' Benvenuti said. 'That would be catastrophic for astronomy, t
Astronomers are reacting to plans by California startup Reflect Orbital, which is seeking US regulatory approval to launch tens of thousands of sun-reflecting satellites that would beam sunlight to ground locations. A company figure of 50,000 mirrors in orbit by 2035 has drawn sharp warnings from researchers, with one astronomer calling the project catastrophic for astronomy, since bright reflectors would wash out observatories' views and alter the night sky.
Why now: A recent CBC report on the FCC approval process for Reflect Orbital's sunlight-on-demand satellites has reignited alarm among astronomers.
Reflect OrbitalFCCBenvenutiCBC
Evidence
- "'They're saying we want to launch 50,000 mirrors by 2035,' Benvenuti said. 'That would be catastrophic for astronomy, that is clear.'" https://www. cbc.ca/news/science/reflect-or bital-approval-fcc-9.7287535 # Astronomy # ReflectOrbital # SunlightAsAService # FCC # SpacePolicy · JohnBarentine@scicomm.xyz · 100
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