Artist faction launches into Earth orbit

[bvanevery]

https://www.orbitalreflector.com/ - It has no purpose except to be Art floating in orbit!

[Geo]

I'm almost surprised it isn't shaped like your typical UFO.

[bvanevery]

They considered people on Earth to be the viewers of the work, so chose something that could actually be seen from the ground.  Form follows function.  I agree that an inflatable UFO would be funny, if it could at least be seen by someone in space from time to time.

[Geo]

Simple, put in a slightly different orbit then the ISS.

"Baikonur, we have a visual..."

[Lorizael]

Astronomers are pissed about this thing.

[bvanevery]

Why should they be?

[Lorizael]

It's not that big a deal, but it's literal light pollution and something observers might have to keep an eye out for. It's an added hassle they don't need.

[bvanevery]

Sounds like grousing about nothing.  As though things didn't already pass through the sky that have bright lights on them.

[Lorizael]

Observers are a grumpy lot. It's very easy to ruin their night.

[bvanevery]

I think for bonus points, the orbiting reflector should exist permanently, and deliberately change its route, specifically to harm the observation of important celestial phenomena at key times of the night.  As seen from specific vantage points from astronomers who complain the most, immaculately calculated with respect to the rotation of the earth, the seasons, etc.  It should all be driven by a mobile app entitled, "Screw Your Astronomer".

Know who else are a grumpy lot?  Artists!  So far on another site, I've got one who thinks this a complete waste of money, and another who hates Mt. Rushmore and extols the sacredness of Dark Sky Parks.  As though a dark sky is actually dark with all the stars in it...

[Geo]

It's not that big a deal, but it's literal light pollution and something observers might have to keep an eye out for. It's an added hassle they don't need.

30,000 objects orbiting Earth, and they complain about one that will stay up their for a couple months at most?

[Lorizael]

Most aren't designed to be highly reflective, and their ephemeris data are readily available.

[Geo]

True that.

I suppose then your typical astronomist must cringe each time some space agency proposes the use of reflective satellites for illuminating cities at night in lieu of classic street lights.