Photo: The Lonely Planet
Chinese scientists plan to launch an artificial moon by 2020 to illuminate one of the country's largest cities, according to Lonely Planet.
According to the project, the artificial moon is a space satellite covered with a reflective material. The innovative design will glow at night to replace streetlights and thereby reduce energy costs.
According to Wu Chunfeng, chairman of the Chengdu Institute of Aerospace Science and Technology, the artificial moon will be launched into low-Earth orbit over the city of Chengdu by 2020. The satellite will illuminate an area of up to 130 square kilometers, producing light eight times brighter than that of Earth's natural satellite. If the project is successful, several more similar devices will be launched over China, replacing streetlights.
Artificial moons could also reportedly be used to "illuminate darkened areas" in areas prone to natural disasters, such as earthquakes. Testing of the new moon began several years ago, and it is currently scheduled for launch in 2020.
However, scientists have some concerns. It's still unknown what impact the artificial moon will have on people and wildlife, especially nocturnal animals. Before the satellite is launched, it will be tested in the desert.
In 1993, Russian scientists attempted a similar project, according to Lonely Planet. A 20-meter-wide reflector was released from a supply spacecraft heading to the Mir space station. The device was intended to reflect sunlight back to Earth. The plan failed due to a malfunction in the reflector.
Source: news.turizm.ru