Mark Thompson (https://www.universetoday.com/authors/mark)
8d ago
A new study modelling Reflect Orbital's proposed constellation of giant orbital mirrors finds their light pollution would be severe. A single 54 metre satellite would appear four magnitudes brighter than the full moon to anyone in its beam, and its scattered glow would outshine moonlight across the sky from 14 kilometres away, remaining visible from over 30 kilometres out. With the pilot satellit…
For the first time, a European Southern Observatory (ESO) study has quantified the threat to astronomy posed by a large number of highly reflective satellites planned to launch in the coming years. Continue Reading Category: Astronomy , Science , Refractor: Science & Health Tags: Satellite , Astronomy , Stars , light-pollution , ESO
A new scientific assessment warns that an ambitious satellite proposal could dramatically increase light pollution, threatening astronomical research and permanently changing humanity's view of the night sky.
Many hands make light work. Across NSF NOIRLab facilities, professionals band together to monitor and mitigate light pollution in an increasingly brighter world. This blog serves as a glimpse into the pages of The Scope, NSF NOIRLab's newest publication, available to read digitally now.
By Mahliya Purificacion The night sky has long been a source of awe for humanity, serving as inspiration for science, religion, and countless pieces of art and literature. For past…
Header Photo: Overhead image of Kankakee/Bradley, IL from Far Horizons high-altitude balloon test flight 118 on April 29, 2018. The image was shot from 24.5 kilometers up into the stratosphere. This flight was the first successful NiteLite test flight, proving that mapping light pollution in Chicago would be a possibility. Since the dawn of humanity, […] The post Mission NiteLite: Rescuing the Ni…
Changes are coming to Chicago’s nights. The city is replacing streetlights with a new generation of lighting. These new lights will change how our neighborhoods look and how we view the sky. Will new lighting worsen light pollution? How can we help keep the stars visible for Chicago? Learn how the Adler Planetarium is helping […] The post Just How Dark is the Night? appeared first on Adler Planet…
