Time & Location
Sep 28, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Zoom
About the Event
As private space ventures push forward with ambitious solar reflector arrays, the debate between clean energy technology and sky conservation is taking center stage.
Join four leading Lone Star conservation organizations for an urgent discussion on how Reflect Orbital's light-reflecting technology impacts astronomical research, nocturnal ecosystems, and Texas's night skies, and how we can advocate for balanced solutions.
Speakers:
Stephen Hummel
Dark Skies Initiative Coordinator
The University of Texas at Austin | McDonald Observatory
Title: Mirrors in Space: What Reflect Orbital Means for Dark Skies
Description: In July 2026, the FCC approved Reflect Orbital's prototype satellite - an 18-meter mirror designed to beam sunlight to Earth's surface at night. The satellite will shine several times brighter than a full moon and is scheduled to launch in fall of 2026. Reflect Orbital has proposed a constellation of 50,000+ mirrors in orbit to offer "sunlight on demand" to customers. In this presentation, we will unpack the science of Reflect Orbital's space mirrors, and the potential impacts to astronomy and wildlife.
Dr. Brett Seymoure
Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences
Entomological Collections Curator
Director of Chihuahuan Desert Biodiversity REU
The University of Texas at El Paso
Title: Insights on Reflect Orbital from a Biological and Ecological Perspective
Co-Hosts
Texas Conservation Alliance
DarkSky Texas
Environment Texas
Audubon Texas
Registration is required to receive a Zoom link.