U.S. Company’s ‘Sunlight on Demand’ Project Worries New Brunswick Astronomers

The recent approval by the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of a project to deploy 50,000 space mirrors that would reflect artificial sunlight down to Earth has sent shockwaves through the astronomy community. Proponents claim this “sunlight on demand” service could provide clean energy and alleviate light pollution, but critics warn it would decimate backyard stargazing and ground-based astronomy.

New Brunswick astronomers are at the forefront of opposition efforts, citing concerns about circadian rhythms, nocturnal ecosystems, and wildlife. Catherine Lovekin, a professor at Mount Allison University, likens the project to a “disaster” that would make the night sky invisible even for large telescopes. Her skepticism is shared by other experts.

The Reflect Orbital company behind this ambitious project claims its technology will be calibrated to levels already tolerated by humans and animals. However, experts argue that the sheer scale of 50,000 satellites would still have a devastating effect on stargazing. Stéphane Picard, owner of an astro-tourism organization in New Brunswick, worries about the loss of dark-sky sites – areas with minimal light pollution that allow for unhindered views of the natural night sky.

The irony is not lost on astronomers: while they’re still grappling with the consequences of light pollution from human activities like street lamps and city buildings, they’re now being asked to tolerate even more artificial lighting in the form of space mirrors. The fact that these satellites would be designed to reflect sunlight at night only exacerbates the issue.

The FCC’s approval raises important questions about the regulatory framework surrounding space-based services. While there may not be a specific law prohibiting reflective objects in orbit, countries are still obligated to consider due regard and consultation obligations owed to other states. The challenge lies in translating these principles into concrete laws that protect our night sky.

What’s at stake is not just the preservation of astronomy as we know it but also public access to the natural world. Chris Curwin, a member of an astronomy group in Saint John, notes: “The next generation will not be able to appreciate the night sky like we can today.” This sobering thought highlights the need for urgent action.

New Brunswick’s unique status as a province with numerous dark-sky sites makes it an interesting case study. While Reflect Orbital claims that most places will never see this light, the impact on rural communities and their dependence on dark-sky tourism could be significant.

Ultimately, this controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing technological progress with environmental concerns. As we push the boundaries of space exploration, let us not forget that our night sky is a shared resource – one that deserves protection and preservation for future generations.

The Reflect Orbital project has cleared its first hurdle in the FCC approval process, but it’s far from over. The real challenge lies ahead: convincing governments to create laws that safeguard our night sky against this new wave of space-based services.