This Satellite Is So Bright It Could Fry Your Retinas Through a Telescope

Key Points:

• Reflect Orbital, a California startup, received FCC approval to launch a prototype satellite, Earendil-1, designed to reflect sunlight onto designated areas on Earth using a large space mirror, with plans to deploy up to 50,000 such satellites.
• The reflected light could illuminate areas up to 3 miles wide with intensities significantly brighter than moonlight, raising concerns about potential permanent eye damage for people looking at the reflected light, similar to hazards during solar eclipses.
• Astronomy groups and environmental organizations have criticized the FCC's approval, warning that the constellation could disrupt astronomical observations and pose health risks, leading to petitions for reversing the decision and calls for greater transparency and environmental review.
• Reflect Orbital asserts it will work with astronomers to mitigate impacts by controlling when and where the satellites reflect light, keeping the satellites off by default and only activating them with proper authorization; however, astronomers remain concerned about unexpected light exposure.
• The upcoming launch of Earendil-1 will serve as a test not only of the technology but also of its real-world effects on night sky observers and the environment.