A group of astronomy experts and enthusiasts in New Brunswick are voicing concerns over a U.S. company’s plan to use space mirrors to offer artificial sunlight for a fee. The company, Reflect Orbital, is promoting the concept as “sunlight on demand” for various applications such as agriculture, solar power, search and rescue missions, and construction projects.
Mount Allison University astronomy professor Catherine Lovekin described the proposal as a potential disaster, warning that it could severely impact ground-based astronomy and amateur stargazing activities due to the brightness of the mirrors. Reflect Orbital, established in 2021, received approval from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission in July despite facing opposition from the public.
The company’s initial approval is for a single mirrored satellite to test its technology and safety measures. However, Reflect Orbital aims to deploy 50,000 satellites by 2035 to reflect sunlight back to Earth, potentially affecting nighttime sky observations. Lovekin and others raised concerns about the project’s implications on circadian rhythms, wildlife, and ecosystems that rely on natural light cycles.
Stéphane Picard, owner of Cliff Valley Astronomy, emphasized the value of dark-sky sites in New Brunswick and highlighted the importance of preserving natural nighttime environments for tourism and ecological balance. Picard expressed worries about the increasing light pollution and the potential loss of dark-sky areas if the Reflect Orbital project proceeds.
Chris Curwin, founder of Astronomy by the Bay in Saint John, echoed concerns about light pollution impacting astronomical events and stargazing experiences. He emphasized the diminishing opportunities for future generations to appreciate the night sky due to urbanization and artificial lighting.
Reflect Orbital defended its project, stating that the artificial light would be targeted and regulated to minimize impacts on most areas. The company assured that the brightness levels would be set within safe limits for human and animal tolerance. Despite these assurances, astronomy experts globally, including in British Columbia and Australia, as well as organizations like the U.S.-based Dark Sky Consulting and the American Astronomical Society, have expressed reservations about the potential consequences of the space mirror initiative.
The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs acknowledged the legality of placing reflective objects in orbit but emphasized the need for countries to establish regulations and consultation processes for such services. The ongoing debate underscores the complex balance between technological advancements and the preservation of natural environments for scientific and recreational purposes.