Brutkey

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/