Whenever you think of an artificial Moon, the first name that probably pops up in your head is Death Star. And why shouldn’t it? It’s the greatest and biggest space station in cinematic history that also had a super-laser installed in it.
But, in the foreseeable future, you might not have to keep re-visiting the Star Wars franchise to witness an artificial Moon. That’s because China’s making one for real.
In an attempt to light up its street, China is apparently launching an artificial moon into orbit. Scientists say that the moon will loom over the city of Chengdu, capital of China’s southwestern Sichuan province.
1/3 China is planning to launch its own 'artificial moon' by 2020 to replace streetlamps and lower electricity costs in urban areas, reports @ChinaDaily. pic.twitter.com/26rqOKTqja
— DW Science (@dw_scitech) October 19, 2018
3/3 It's thought that by reflecting light from the sun, the satellites could replace streetlamps in urban areas, saving close to $170 million (€149 million) a year in electricity costs. pic.twitter.com/pvKzRxVrB8
— DW Science (@dw_scitech) October 19, 2018
According to Time, the scientists will conduct tests, to make sure that this moon is functional, in an uninhabited desert so that the light beams will not interfere with any people or Earth-based experiments.
Netizens reading this were quite surprised by this. While some reacted hilariously, others pointed out this artificial moon might cause more light pollution.
1. Blade Runner: Moonraker
the obvious question here is: will the moon fall in love with her robot counterpart, or are they destined to be mortal enemies? https://t.co/jW6k8xYs4j
— Gavia Baker-Whitelaw (@Hello_Tailor) October 19, 2018
2. Nirvana for sci-fi fans.
https://twitter.com/ebruenig/status/1053474322378121222
3. It was only a matter of time.
Oh shit they made the death star into a real thing https://t.co/dCJGY01riu
— Doge Dad (@garvey_haines) October 20, 2018
4. Maybe he was the inspiration for this.
"This proposal was brought to light by Vegeta, Prince of all Saiyans. To increase his power tenfold." https://t.co/XZSMY37W5G
— Jared Surber (@TheCosmicPube) October 20, 2018
5. Okay, party pooper.
This is the 3rd or 4th time people have done stuff like this, usually whimsical and not quite as bold though.
A) It's stupid
B) It won't really work
C) If it does will have weird effects on the life around the area
D) Adds to the growing collection of space debris https://t.co/lCufyMxhXk— bryson dechambeau stan account (@tschubauer) October 20, 2018
6. Didn’t think of that.
Hurray!! Great news!! 👏
We should order one ! More holidays !!!😂 https://t.co/8dfgASuMtS— 🆂🅹 (@SJisMe) October 20, 2018
7. Well, ain’t that the truth?
There's a reason the moon isn't that bright. And that it cycles and is not always visible.
Yes of course this won't affect wildlife at all.
Humans are terrifying. https://t.co/NHI94Zf1Wy— Dani Fernandez (@msdanifernandez) October 19, 2018
8. Jeff Bezos has already booked a ticket to China.
How long til companies pitch for ad space? https://t.co/eo45145AuR
— Ara Andonian (@thearashow) October 19, 2018
9. Strange, but okay.
https://twitter.com/BriBriBri16/status/1053498862411878401
10. Somebody has to think out of the world.
Heard about humans going in space
Heard about satellites being launched
China has taken it to a different level https://t.co/gCoNs7dJtC— Pinakin (yes I am the Pathokin guy on insta) (@pkmadridista) October 20, 2018
11. Call Luke Skywalker, now!
blow it up https://t.co/u4OmUC5LV1
— Seth Mandel (@SethAMandel) October 19, 2018
12. Dreams are coming true.
https://twitter.com/HotTakeAccount/status/1053486938265698305
13. As if they’d be really weak without them.
NO, STOP! YOU'RE JUST MAKING THE SAIYANS STRONGER! https://t.co/PGJLDfCBvG
— ther2dude (@ther2view) October 19, 2018
14. Probably the weirdest one.
weird flex but ok https://t.co/KW9qO9F0y8
— Potassium (@TotallyRitsu) October 20, 2018
15. It seems, the ‘First Man’ sequel is going to be pretty realistic.
[sees First Man once] https://t.co/OYPxmHjJ4Z
— Josh Kurp (@JoshKurp) October 19, 2018
This is not the first time humans have tried to do something preposterous regarding space. Russia tried to put up an orbital mirror that would’ve reflected sunlight into some of its dimly-lit areas. However, that project was abandoned in 1999. American firm Rocket Lab launched an artificial star, but it only ended up in the endless debris that’s circling our orbit. That said, if China does succeed in putting up a moon up there, do you think it’ll be good or bad?