Starry Skies South

Please consider signing your name at the bottom of this form letter by DarkSky International to Reflect Orbital's investors as a means to protect the night.

For 4.5 billion years, Earth has known night, as half the planet slips into shadow, creating the natural cycle of light and dark under which life has evolved.

Now, a private startup is proposing a different future. Using thousands of satellites equipped with in-space mirrors, the company aims to reflect sunlight onto Earth’s surface at night, calling it “sunlight on demand.”

DarkSky opposes Reflect Orbital’s proposal as it is currently conceived and is calling on our community to take action. Sign DarkSky’s open letter to Reflect Orbital and its investors, and opt in for updates on this issue, including guidance on submitting comments to the FCC when the open comment period opens in early 2026.

The night is not for sale. We all deserve a voice in shaping the future of the night sky.

Learn more and sign today: https://bit.ly/4jqMN0J

The aurora was visible in North Alabama last night thanks to a G4 Geomagnetic Storm. Out of the reach of local light pollution, the viewing was spectacular, including a clear sky for stargazing. Post your photos in the comments below!

📸: Starry Skies South member Sara Johnson

There's one week left before DarkSky International's annual virtual conference! Register today to learn how to advocate for smarter, healthier, safer lighting in your community.

Please read this article about a potential future threat to our night sky. It's important to be in the know:
https://theconversation.com/a-us-startup-plans-to-deliver-sunlight-on-demand-after-dark-can-it-work-and-would-we-want-it-to-264323

Assessing Astronomical Impacts of Reflect Orbital’s Proposed Satellite System This survey is being conducted by the American Astronomical Society (AAS) to gather input from astronomers, observatories, and night sky users worldwide regarding the potential impacts of Reflect Orbital’s proposed reflector satellites on astronomical research and night sky visibility. Reflect Orb...

Last month we posted about the new satellite company planning to beam sunlight from space, Reflect Orbital.

Here's an article from The Conversation with details you need to know.
https://theconversation.com/a-us-startup-plans-to-deliver-sunlight-on-demand-after-dark-can-it-work-and-would-we-want-it-to-264323

Right now, the best action you can take is to let your representatives know that you are not okay with "sunlight as service" at night.

If you are an astronomy person, you can also fill out this survey by the American Astronomical Society to let them know how it is going to impact your stargazing:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfYW7dw2oGU0y8wyFu-6lA1_aG8o5CiCPUyw8fVWn5uD8x76A/viewform

Assessing Astronomical Impacts of Reflect Orbital’s Proposed Satellite System This survey is being conducted by the American Astronomical Society (AAS) to gather input from astronomers, observatories, and night sky users worldwide regarding the potential impacts of Reflect Orbital’s proposed reflector satellites on astronomical research and night sky visibility. Reflect Orb...

Mel Blake and Michelle Wooten talked to dozens of folks about how to protect the night sky at the UAB Solar House on Saturday, October 5. Thanks to Mel for driving a handful of hours in one day to support this event followed by more astronomy public outreach in the evening at the University of North Alabama!

Check out the Firefly Atlas with The Xerces Society!

True Facts: Fireflies Need Your Help! Donate to Xerces’ firefly conservation initiative: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/xerces/info/fireflyfundingThe Xerces Society: https://xerces.org/Firefly Atlas...

Join our Interpretive Staff on Friday, March 21, March 28, or April 4, 2025, for a FREAKY FRIDAY NIGHT HIKE! 🌙🦉

This staff-guided, family-friendly night hike will take guests along the Monte Sano State Park Fire Tower trail. Guests will learn all about creatures of the night, how night vision works, and more! Times may vary.

It will be spooktacular fun for everyone! We will meet at Hikers Parking Lot. ⭐

Register here:
https://reserve.alapark.com/register/freaky-friday-night-hikes

If you’re a member of DarkSky International (of which Starry Skies South is a chapter), you should be receiving your quarterly copy of Nightscape if you haven’t already. In it, our chapter is discussed! Here is one page of that feature (currently the full issue is member-access only): https://darksky.org/resources/publications/nightscape/

Membership to Starry Skies South is free. We encourage all Starry Skies South members to become DarkSky International members… they so richly support our cause:
https://darksky.org/ways-to-give/

Joe Kutner is doing an amazing job representing us at the Environmental Education Association of Alabama conference!

Join James Brigagliano, DarkSky’s Lighting Program Manager, for a virtual talk on DarkSky Principles and Programs ✨Discover how thoughtful lighting design can shape our world while protecting the beauty of the night sky!

What You’ll Learn:
• Explore the 5 principles of responsible outdoor lighting developed by DarkSky and the Illuminating Engineering Society.
• Discover insights into DarkSky’s major programs that promote better lighting practices and safeguard starry skies.
• Learn how to apply the 2024 DarkSky Approved municipal and state ordinance templates effectively in your community.
• Understand DarkSky’s mission and gain practical tools to advocate for responsible outdoor lighting in your area.

Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your knowledge about lighting design and make a difference for our night skies!

Link to register: https://bit.ly/3Ecxo3p

Event Details:
DarkSky Principles and Programs
Thursday, March 13, 2025
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. EST
Virtual

📷 Photo credit: MUSCO