Brutkey

Prof. Sam Lawler
@sundogplanets@mastodon.social

This article by two astronomers details many of the points I just talked about and more ways that Reflect Orbital's plan will never be feasible, just detrimental: now in The Conversation Australia, perfect timing: https://theconversation.com/a-us-startup-plans-to-deliver-sunlight-on-demand-after-dark-can-it-work-and-would-we-want-it-to-264323

Prof. Sam Lawler
@sundogplanets@mastodon.social

Adding to this Reflect Orbital thread: @startswithabang@mastodon.social wrote a thorough analysis of all the ways that Reflect Orbital is a terrible idea. Have a read! https://bigthink.com/starts-with-a-bang/true-cost-solar-power-night-reflect-orbital/

Prof. Sam Lawler
@sundogplanets@mastodon.social

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.

Prof. Sam Lawler
@sundogplanets@mastodon.social

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.

Prof. Sam Lawler
@sundogplanets@mastodon.social

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

Prof. Sam Lawler
@sundogplanets@mastodon.social

DarkSky International just posted their position letter on Reflect Orbital. It is direct and to the point:

"Based on current scientific evidence, DarkSky does not see a viable pathway for such systems to align with responsible lighting principles or with our mission to protect natural darkness. These systems would introduce significant ecological, human health, safety, and astronomical risks at a global scale."

Read their letter and add your name here:

https://darksky.org/news/organizational-statement-reflect-orbital/