Mmastodon ScienceSpace Policy first seen 45 d ago, last 34 min ago, peak #1
Astronomers warn Reflect Orbital mirror plans would harm astronomy
Original: "'They're saying we want to launch 50,000 mirrors by 2035,' Benvenuti said. 'That would be catastrophic for astronomy, t
Astronomers are raising alarms over Reflect Orbital's proposal, approved by the US FCC, to launch tens of thousands of sunlight-reflecting satellites. A representative warned the company's stated goal of 50,000 mirrors in orbit by 2035 would be 'catastrophic for astronomy', as bright artificial glints in the night sky would interfere with telescope observations of faint celestial objects.
Why now: The FCC's approval of Reflect Orbital has reignited concerns among astronomers about commercial satellites polluting the night sky.
Rank over time, top of the chart is #1. 123 snapshots from 6 d ago to 34 min ago.
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 · 99
API: https://socialmediatrends-api.osmike.com/v1/trends/20313