Satellite mirror plans could disrupt sleep and ecosystems worldwide
20 hours ago
- #satellite-deployment
- #light-pollution
- #circadian-disruption
- Scientific societies representing circadian rhythm researchers express concerns about plans to deploy reflective mirrors and up to 1 million more satellites in low Earth orbit, citing potential disruptions to human health and ecosystems.
- Reflect Orbital's proposal involves using reflective satellites to illuminate Earth at night, while SpaceX aims to launch satellites for a solar-powered AI computing network, both potentially increasing night sky brightness and light pollution.
- Researchers warn that altering natural light-dark cycles could affect biological clocks, impacting sleep, hormone secretion, migration of nocturnal species, plant cycles, and marine phytoplankton, with ripple effects on food security and ecosystems.
- Modeling shows current satellites have already increased diffuse night sky brightness by about 10%, with predictions of further rises by 2035, approaching thresholds set for preserving naturally dark skies.
- Scientists urge regulators like the FCC to conduct full environmental reviews, set limits on satellite reflectivity and cumulative brightness, and treat sky alteration with the seriousness of other planetary-scale environmental changes like climate change.