Scientists from Northwestern University in the United States have warned that the growing number of communication satellites filling the night sky may jeopardize human health. The primary concern is the light pollution they generate, which disrupts the body’s internal biological clock.
اضافة اعلان
The Biological Clock and Its Vital Role
The biological clock (circadian rhythm) is a precise internal system that dictates when the body should sleep or wake. It also regulates hormones, digestion, and body temperature.
Even minor exposure to light at night confuses this clock. In the short term, these disruptions can lead to:
Slow wound healing and digestive issues.
Temporary memory loss and chronic fatigue.
In the long term, these disturbances impact the nervous, metabolic, digestive, and endocrine systems—potentially leading to heart disease, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and a weakened immune system.
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Giant Satellites and "False Day" Projects
Some satellites currently in orbit are surprisingly massive. For instance, AST SpaceMobile launched a commercial satellite named BlueBird 6, stretching 2,400 feet—nearly the size of a double tennis court. It is bright enough to be clearly visible to the naked eye.
Astronomers warn that thousands of such bright satellites could forever alter the night sky. One researcher noted that while only about 1,000 stars are visible to the naked eye, there are plans to add up to 400,000 moving satellites.
Furthermore, a controversial startup called Reflect Orbital plans to use satellites equipped with giant mirrors to reflect sunlight back to Earth after sunset. This could potentially flood entire cities with daylight in the middle of the night. Although the company claims the reflected light will be as soft as moonlight, astronomers remain deeply concerned about the impact on both wildlife and human health.
The Scale of the Problem
Currently, there are more than 12,000 satellites orbiting Earth at speeds of 17,500 mph. With dozens of new satellites launched weekly to expand internet coverage, applications have already been filed to launch an additional 1.7 million satellites in the future.
Impact on Wildlife
The damage from artificial night light extends beyond humans:
Sea Turtles: Hatchlings become disoriented, moving toward inhabited areas instead of the sea.
Migratory Birds: Large numbers of birds perish in cities due to light confusion.
Quick Stats:
Visible Stars: ~1,000.
Current Satellites: ~12,000.
Future Projections: Up to 1.7 million satellites.
Largest Satellites: Comparable to the size of a tennis court.
