If you look up in the night sky over the next nine months, you might see something new.
This past weekend, a company called Rocket Lab launched three commercial satellites into orbit. But, secretly, they snuck something else into space, as well: a giant disco ball satellite they call "The Humanity Star." According to a statement from the company, it could become the "brightest thing in the night sky."
Rocket Lab explains on their website that the object is "a geodesic sphere made from carbon fibre with 65 highly reflective panels. The Humanity Star sphere spins rapidly, reflecting the sun's light back to Earth. Essentially it creates a similar effect as a disco ball, creating the appearance of a bright flashing shooting star."
So, why is it up there?
The orb has no scientific purpose, but Rocket Lab say their goal is to create "a shared experience for all of humanity." The company's CEO, Peter Beck, says in a statement, "No matter where you are in the world, or what is happening in your life, everyone will be able to see the Humanity Star in the night sky."
After the secret launch, Rocket Lab set up a website that gives real-time updates about the orb's current location, so you can find out when The Humanity Star will be closest to you and go outside to see it. The giant ball will circle the globe every 90 minutes, traveling approximately 9,180 meters each second. It's expected to stay in orbit for nine months before it falls back to Earth.
Of course, some astronomers aren't happy about the secret launch because they're worried the orb's brightness will be a distraction in the night sky. Some are even calling it an "act of environmental vandalism."
Beck would prefer everyone to chill out and enjoy his pretty disco ball, though. He suggests, "Wait for when the Humanity Star is overhead and take your loved ones outside to look up and reflect. You may just feel a connection to the more than seven billion other people on this planet we share this ride with."
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