Chengdu, an ancient city in central China, could have streets that are lit by a moon-like satellite that’s eight times brighter than the actual moon
A tower in Chengdu, China with full moon in the background. A Chinese company wants to build a moon-like structure by 2020 to rid the city of streetlights.
Photo: Alamy Stock Photo
Come 2020, for children living in Chengdu, China, the book Goodnight Moon may have a completely different meaning. Indeed, according to an article in the People’s Daily (a widely distributed online Chinese newspaper), a local company plans to build an artificial moon that, if completed, would be eight times brighter than the actual moon. This sci-fi-like idea may come to fruition to illuminate a distance of up to 50 miles in every direction, effectively replacing all of the city streetlights.
Chengdu Aerospace Science and Technology Microelectronics System Research Institute Company plans to accomplish its lofty goal by creating a satellite that’s floating in the sky, mimicking the moon’s effect on a city at night. And while it’s unclear whether the idea has been supported by officials in Chengdu or the Chinese government, some are concerned about the environmental effects the proposal could have on the area. At a moment in time when cities such as Flagstaff, Arizona, and Ketchum, Idaho, are working to reduce light emissions at night, Chengdu seems, at least with this plan, to be headed in the opposite direction.
To address concerns about the artificial moon’s affect on wildlife, a spokesman for the company said in a quote to the People’s Daily that “the light of the satellite is similar to a dusk-like glow, so it should not affect animals’ routines.” Yet, something about creating a moon-like satellite that’s eight times brighter than the actual moon is leaving some wondering what a “dusk-like” glow will look like.