Global light pollution is climbing about 10% per year—doubling roughly every eight years—as cheap, efficient LEDs make it easier to illuminate more area for longer. Satellite constellations and large 'green' projects sited near observatories add further artificial brightness, eroding dark skies crucial for astronomy and nocturnal ecosystems.
— It reframes efficiency gains as potential environmental harms, arguing for dark‑sky lighting standards, satellite rules, and siting policy alongside climate and growth goals.
Ethan Siegel
2025.10.15
68% relevant
Reflect Orbital’s plan intentionally increases night‑time illumination by reflecting sunlight onto solar farms, directly amplifying light pollution—an escalation of the trend where technological lighting advances (LEDs) have already brightened the night sky.
Ethan Siegel
2025.09.22
65% relevant
That idea warns that artificial light and satellites are degrading astronomy; this piece adds a concrete case where a rocket‑booster flash masqueraded as a deep‑universe transient near GN‑z11, showing anthropogenic sky interference can now spoof high‑stakes discoveries.
msmash
2025.09.17
100% relevant
The piece cites a study measuring 10% annual growth (2011–2022), notes ~12,000 satellites headed toward 100,000, and flags Chile’s proposed 7,400‑acre INNA green‑hydrogen facility near the Rubin Observatory despite light‑control laws.