I just had to dig this up for something I'm writing, so here's the UN's space debris database (which has mostly turned from "space debris on the ground" to "garbage SpaceX dropped on other countries"): https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/treatyimplementation/arra-art-v/unlfd.html
I'll note that the Starlink reentry debris that SpaceX dropped on Canada in August 2024 (separate from the Crew Dragon Trunk debris dropped on Canada in Feb 2024), still doesn't appear on this database. And I think that's because the farmer contacted SpaceX directly, SpaceX had him Fedex the debris to them. As far as I can tell, the Canadian gov't didn't find out until I told them, months after it left Canada, so I guess that means it doesn't get to go on this chart?
Really wild stuff...
I just had to dig this up for something I'm writing, so here's the UN's space debris database (which has mostly turned from "space debris on the ground" to "garbage SpaceX dropped on other countries"): https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/treatyimplementation/arra-art-v/unlfd.html
Setting up an account and I have to choose from a set of HILARIOUSLY specific and personal security questions.
"What is your favourite monument?"
"What car do you wish you owned?"
"Who was the first person you were romantically interested in?"
???
New article from Smithsonian Magazine about how stupid Reflect Orbital's plans are: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/giant-mirrors-in-space-could-bring-sunlight-after-dark-one-startup-says-and-astronomers-are-concerned-180987781/
Features interviews with me and several of my excellent astronomer colleagues on the American Astronomical Society Committee for the Protection of Astronomy and the Space Environment! Looks like Reflect Orbital has followed SpaceX's lead and stopped responding to journalist inquiries.
I have doubts about whether or not change.org petitions actually do anything. But if you need to do something small right now against space mirrors, a DarkSky International member set up a petition here: https://www.change.org/p/stop-space-mirrors
Have I mentioned how much I like Nicole Mortillaro? Great article, includes quotes from @JohnBarentine@scicomm.xyz (there were various good reasons why she didn't interview me for this one, but fortunately a lot of other astronomers besides me are really worried about Reflect Orbital's thoughtless plan)
https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/reflect-orbital-space-mirror-9.6947427
Reflect Orbital is stupid and will cause countless problems with no measurable benefits.
New article from Smithsonian Magazine about how stupid Reflect Orbital's plans are: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/giant-mirrors-in-space-could-bring-sunlight-after-dark-one-startup-says-and-astronomers-are-concerned-180987781/
Features interviews with me and several of my excellent astronomer colleagues on the American Astronomical Society Committee for the Protection of Astronomy and the Space Environment! Looks like Reflect Orbital has followed SpaceX's lead and stopped responding to journalist inquiries.
obscure tech problem
Just today, my external monitor hooked to my laptop has started showing a smattering of flickering red pixels inside any large areas of black in any images. What is up with that?! Is this a sign of imminent failure? Or something I could fix by changing settings or whacking it just right?
EDIT: Thanks for suggestions! I unplugged and cleaned HDMI connection and restarted monitor and no more flickery red pixels! We'll see how long it holds.
Saskatchewan complaining
I want to go for a walk but the windchill never got above -25C today...
Every astronomer who complains about satellite streaks has heard the same response from techbro-types: "Why don't you just put all your telescopes in space?"
There are an incredibly large number of reasons why that is totally not going to work. But here's another from Borloff et al "Satellite megaconstellations will threaten space-based astronomy"
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09759-5
The accompanying News & Views piece "Even in space, satellites photobomb telescopes" by @merrdiff.bsky.social@bsky.brid.gy is excellent!
https://rdcu.be/eSZJX
Here's a lovely space-based telescope image, with 560,000 satellite friends. Thanks, techbros.
Every astronomer who complains about satellite streaks has heard the same response from techbro-types: "Why don't you just put all your telescopes in space?"
There are an incredibly large number of reasons why that is totally not going to work. But here's another from Borloff et al "Satellite megaconstellations will threaten space-based astronomy"
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09759-5
Academics, looks like there's an open letter against solar geoengineering that you can sign on to here: https://www.solargeoeng.org/
'Theoretically, rogue billionaires could afford to at least start changing the climate on their own. That’s the premise of the science fiction novel “Termination Shock,” which inspired Iseman to found Make Sunsets in 2022.'
WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK TECHBROS
https://wapo.st/3MeKCkf
Prof. Sam Lawler