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Amateur astronomers and astrophotographers may need to exercise great caution when enormous reflecting satellites start appearing in the night sky \u2014 as experts say they have the potential to blind them. <\/p>\n
Last month, PetaPixel reported that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved Reflect Orbital\u2019s application to launch a mirror satellite<\/a> into orbit called E\u00e4rendil-1. <\/p>\n Once in orbit, the satellite will unfurl a square mirror that\u2019s almost 60 feet wide. The mirror will then reflect sunlight toward a specified location and illuminate a circular patch about three miles wide. <\/p>\n Scientists and industrialists have already been fretting about the potential dangers of Reflect Orbital\u2019s satellite, which will reportedly be as bright as Venus from outside the beam and four times as bright as a full Moon within the beam. <\/p>\n Biologists have warned that altering the light-dark cycle could upset circadian rhythms that regulate sleep in humans and animals, as well as interrupt animal migration, plant cycles, and even phytoplankton in the sea that are vital to life. <\/p>\n There are also concerns among pilots that the satellites could cause flash blindness when the beam is moved. It\u2019s a risk to nighttime drivers as well. <\/p>\n Potential Harm to Astronomers and Astrophotographers <\/p>\n In its filing to the FCC, Reflect Orbital acknowledged that astronomers who catch sight of one of their satellites through a 12-inch telescope could suffer serious eye damage. <\/p>\n