Astronomers and stargazing advocates in New Brunswick are joining international opposition to a U.S. company’s plan to use space-based mirrors to provide artificial sunlight after dark.
Reflect Orbital Proposes Artificial Sunlight Service
Reflect Orbital describes its proposed service as “sunlight on demand.” The company intends to deploy satellites equipped with mirrors capable of redirecting sunlight toward specific locations on Earth.
The company says reflected sunlight could support agriculture, solar power facilities, search-and-rescue operations and construction projects, among other potential uses.
However, astronomy experts warn the project could have serious consequences for scientific research and public access to the night sky.
“It’s kind of a disaster,” said Catherine Lovekin, an astronomy professor at Mount Allison University in Sackville, N.B.
“It would basically kill ground-based astronomy and backyard stargazing, which is already in trouble from the huge number of satellites that have been launched — and they’re not nearly as bright as these.”
Founded in 2021, Reflect Orbital received approval for the project from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission in July, despite hundreds of public submissions opposing the proposal.
The company aims to place 50,000 satellites in orbit by 2035. Each satellite would reflect sunlight onto an area approximately five kilometres wide, potentially providing illumination at night.
“With 50,000 of them, that’s basically going to make the night sky invisible even for our big telescopes,” Lovekin said.
Artificial Light Could Disrupt Wildlife and Human Health
The concerns extend beyond astronomy. Lovekin said large-scale artificial illumination could affect systems that depend on a consistent cycle of daylight and darkness.
Potential consequences include disruptions to human circadian rhythms, nocturnal wildlife and ecosystems. Many species rely on natural darkness for feeding, migration, reproduction and protection from predators.
Artificial light pollution is already considered a growing environmental problem in urban and suburban areas. A constellation of bright orbital mirrors could make the issue more difficult to control because the light would originate from space rather than local infrastructure.
New Brunswick Dark-Sky Tourism Could Be Affected
Stéphane Picard, owner of the astro-tourism organization Cliff Valley Astronomy, shares Lovekin’s concerns about the proposal.
Picard said New Brunswick currently has four dark-sky sites. These locations are largely protected from artificial light produced by street lamps, vehicles and buildings, offering visitors clearer views of stars, planets and other celestial events.
For smaller rural communities, the province’s natural landscapes and relatively dark skies can also attract visitors and support local tourism businesses.
“Traditionally, most people would discover by accident that we have dark skies,” Picard said.
“80 per cent of Americans right now can’t see the Milky Way from where they live; in Canada, it’s creeping above 60 per cent. It’s becoming harder, and people have to travel further to find a natural sky.”
Mount Carleton Offers Clear Views of Astronomical Events
New Brunswick residents recently had an opportunity to observe two major astronomical events: a partial solar eclipse and the Perseid meteor shower.
Picard viewed the events from Mount Carleton Provincial Park, one of the province’s dark-sky destinations. Located in northern New Brunswick, the park’s limited surrounding development makes it particularly well suited for observing the night sky.
Astronomers and tourism operators say protecting such locations is becoming increasingly important as terrestrial light pollution and the number of satellites in orbit continue to grow.
While Reflect Orbital presents its technology as a potential source of practical nighttime illumination, critics in New Brunswick argue that its environmental, scientific and cultural effects require careful consideration before thousands of reflective satellites are deployed.
Sophie MacKenzie is a contributor to CA News Ottawa, covering news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on clear, accurate reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current affairs and developments that shape their communities. Her work highlights relevant stories, emerging trends, and important issues, presenting them in a balanced, accessible, and reader-friendly manner.
