Sunlight at night: US startup’s demonstration of lighting Earth from space draws critcism

Company imitates reflection of sun from mirrors, prompting pushback from some scientists, environmentalists and California locals Locals in a rural area of California were recently startled to see dazzlingly bright light shining down from nearby mountains at night, illuminating a swathe of the desert below. Unbeknown to them, the strange nocturnal illumination was the latest step in a company’s plan to erect thousands of giant mirrors in space to reflect sunlight on to the Earth during night-time. Continue reading...

Oliver Milman · Mon, Oct 26, 2026, 5:00 AM
California | The Guardian

Sunlight at night: US startup’s demonstration of lighting Earth from space draws critcism

Company imitates reflection of sun from mirrors, prompting pushback from some scientists, environmentalists and California locals

Locals in a rural area of California were recently startled to see dazzlingly bright light shining down from nearby mountains at night, illuminating a swathe of the desert below.

Unbeknown to them, the strange nocturnal illumination was the latest step in a company’s plan to erect thousands of giant mirrors in space to reflect sunlight on to the Earth during night-time.

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