Mmastodon ScienceSpace Policy first seen 15 h ago, last 19 min ago, peak #3
Astronomers warn proposed 50,000 orbital mirrors would harm sky observation
Original: "'They're saying we want to launch 50,000 mirrors by 2035,' Benvenuti said. 'That would be catastrophic for astronomy, t
Astronomer Benvenuti said plans to launch 50,000 light-reflecting mirrors into orbit by 2035 would be 'catastrophic for astronomy.' The comment came after the FCC reportedly granted approval to Reflect Orbital, a company that intends to bounce sunlight back to Earth as a commercial service. Researchers fear large numbers of bright reflective satellites would interfere with telescope observations and darken the night sky science relies on.
Why now: The FCC approval of Reflect Orbital's sunlight-reflection service has reignited concerns among astronomers about light pollution from commercial space projects.
Reflect OrbitalBenvenutiFCCCBC
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
API: https://socialmediatrends-api.osmike.com/v1/trends/20313