On Thursday, the rocket company Rocket Lab announced that it had secretly launched the Humanity Star, a satellite in the shape of a reflective sphere that effectively works as a disco ball and could at times become the brightest object in the night sky. 。
The Humanity Star was launched as a way to unite all who see it under the night sky, according to Rocket Lab.。
SEE ALSO:A satellite secretly launched by a little rocket is expected to be 'the brightest thing in the night sky' 。"The Humanity Star is intended to serve as a focal point for humanity as every single person on Earth will have the opportunity to see and experience it," Rocket Lab said in a statement. 。
But certain people on Earth aren't exactly pleased. 。
Just after Rocket Lab announced the surprise launch of the satellite, many astronomers tweeted their annoyance that the New Zealand-based company would build and launch this bright object. 。
Tweet may have been deleted 。
Tweet may have been deleted 。
Tweet may have been deleted 。
Tweet may have been deleted 。
"Looking up at the Moon and the planets in the night sky invokes similar feelings of wonder - why do we need this artificial disco ball in orbit?" planetary scientist Meg Schwamb said in a tweet.。
Thanks for signing up!。
The quickly spinning satellite will orbit the Earth every 90 minutes and its orbit should decay in about 9 months, forcing the Humanity Star to harmlessly burn up in the atmosphere. That said, it could create a bit of a headache for astronomers trying to peer deeply out into the cosmos during the time that it's in orbit. 。
Tweet may have been deleted 。
Tweet may have been deleted 。
Tweet may have been deleted 。
Tweet may have been deleted 。
Tweet may have been deleted 。
Tweet may have been deleted。
David Kipping, an astronomer who hunts for planets outside of our solar system, made the point that the satellite could create some serious problems if he's trying to catch sight of one of those elusive planets as the Humanity Star flies through his field of view.。
Tweet may have been deleted 。
Tweet may have been deleted。
The intention behind the Humanity Star, however, is certainly something most astronomers can likely understand. 。
"I know many astronomers are upset at this unnecessary object that will cause light pollution, although again we don't know orbit or brightness yet so we don't know how bad it will be," astrophysicist JJ Eldridge said via Twitter message. 。
"But I can also kinda see that maybe we do need something like this with so much negativity in the world at the moment." 。
Rocket Lab, for its part, has been replying to some negative tweets and attempting to clarify just how much of a distraction the Humanity Star will be for those studying the universe. 。
Tweet may have been deleted 。
"The Humanity Star will briefly flash across the sky for a few seconds, reflecting sunlight back to the Earth’s surface, creating a fleeting glint of light," Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck said in a statement via email. 。
(责任编辑：知識)
Two states took big steps this week to get rid of the tampon tax
Teen escapee has no chill, asks for a better mugshot on Facebook
'Bachelor' tried to make chocolate baths sexy and it was disgusting
London street artist paints heartbreaking tribute to 5What brands need to know about virtual realityYou will love/hate Cards Against Humanity's new fortune cookies
If you've ever ordered Cards Against Humanity from the delightfully corrupt board game's website, yo
...[详细]Drake shows off his basketball skills with half
If Drake's rapping career ever fails, at least he has basketball. We've all seen the images of him c
...[详细]
The schedule for Season 2 of ELeague's premiere Counter-Strike: Global Offensivetournament is now av
...[详细]Videos show temples crumbling after Myanmar earthquake
A 6.8-magnitude earthquake has struck the north-central region of Myanmar, damaging ancient brick pa
...[详细]Tesla's rumored P100D could make Ludicrous mode even more Ludicrous
A Tesla Model S P100D begs the question: What's more Ludicrous than Ludicrous?Right now, the biggest
...[详细]Speedo drops Ryan Lochte after fake robbery tale
UPDATE: Monday, Aug. 22, 2:37 p.m. ET: Lochte's Olympic contract with Ralph Lauren won't be renewed
...[详细]Tired of driving to work, this man built a plane
Every weekday, weather permitting, Frantisek Hadrava throws on a white scarf and a leather helmet be
...[详细]Report: Most drone accidents caused by the tech and not the operator
If you believe the hype, we're mere minutes from having hot meals delivered by drone. That's why it'
...[详细]One of the most controversial power struggles in media comes to a close
One of the world's biggest media companies has been embroiled in a complex personal and professional
...[详细]Allow Blue Ivy Carter to stare right through your soul
Beyoncé uploaded another round of impossibly aspirational family photos to her website, and o
...[详细]Plane makes emergency landing after engine rips apart during flight
Tired of driving to work, this man built a plane
