Space mirrors, once a sci-fi dream, are now poised to turn night into day. The California-based company Reflect Orbital has won FCC approval for their Eärendil-1 satellite, a test run towards a fleet of up to 50,000 space mirrors offering on-demand sunlight. While this sounds like a boon for energy and rescue ops, astronomers are raising red flags about the impact on both science and our peepers.

The satellite is expected to beam an eye-searing light down to Earth, making Venus look tame by comparison. Experts warn of potential permanent eye damage and the end of ground-based astronomy as we know it, with the night sky becoming three to four times brighter in affected areas. Amateur astronomers might find their backyards turned into daytime terrains.

Reflect Orbital insists on steering clear of astronomical facilities but acknowledges a 12-inch telescope could be permanently ruined by a single satellite sighting. The FCC’s decision to approve this launch, despite knowing the risks, has raised eyebrows among those who fear a future where stargazing is a privilege rather than a right.

For now, we’re left wondering if our descendants will ever look up at night and see stars or just a washed-out expanse of light. One thing’s for sure: the battle between progress and preservation of the night sky has officially begun.