| CURRENT EVENTS TIME: China Plans to Launch an 'Artificial Moon' to Light Up the Night Skies

[TerryP]

Earth, home of one moon and 100's of artificial moons by 2030?

The night skies might soon have company: Chinese scientists are planning to launch an artificial moon into orbit by 2020 to illuminate city streets after dark.​

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Scientists are hoping to hang the man-made moon above the city of Chengdu, the capital of China’s southwestern Sichuan province, according to a report in Chinese state media. The imitation celestial body — essentially an illuminated satellite — will bear a reflective coating to cast sunlight back to Earth, where it will supplement streetlights at night.​

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Scientists estimated that it could be eight times more luminous than the actual, original moon. It will also orbit much closer to Earth; about 500 km (310 miles) away, compared to the moon’s 380,000 km (236,000 miles).​

 

[rick4bama]

Do we really need this?

 

[planomateo]

Will it charge my solar panels at night

 

[sk33tr]

do they not have electricity in china?

 

[planomateo]

do they not have electricity in china?

Wu estimated that new moons could save the city of Chengdu around 1.2 billion yuan ($173 million) in electricity costs annually, and could even assist first responders during blackouts and natural disasters. If the project proves successful, it could be joined by three more additions to the night sky in 2022, he said.