Have I mentioned how much I like Nicole Mortillaro? Great article, includes quotes from @JohnBarentine (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.
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.
'Do people want fire that can be fitted nasally?'
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
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/
@sundogplanets
Ya, petitions need to include specific details about how the list of signatures will be used. Most don't, this one doesn't. It's just a feel good action otherwise.
Liberal politics in a nutshell
@sundogplanets I feel the same about those petitions. But signed as well.
@sundogplanets What befuddles me is that the idea is so obviously stupid and implausible from the start. The math doesn't work. Wishing won't make it so.
@WTL I say exactly that in the article!
Though I didn't get to scream WHY ARE THEY DOING THIS?! like I really wanted to
@sundogplanets So some techbros can get rich. <long digital sigh>
