Will Advertisements Dominate the Night Sky?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of advertisements being placed in space, particularly how they might be visible from Earth and impact the night sky. Participants explore the feasibility, implications, and cultural references related to this idea.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express skepticism about the practicality of advertising in space, citing concerns about its impact on the night sky and maintenance challenges.
  • Others suggest that the negative effects on astronomy could lead to advancements in space exploration, such as establishing a lunar base.
  • A participant argues that the idea of space advertising is unlikely to gain popularity among advertisers, suggesting it would not be a viable business model.
  • References to science fiction, such as Heinlein's "The Man who Sold the Moon," are made to illustrate historical perspectives on commercializing space.
  • Some participants speculate about the future of visible advertisements in the night sky, including logos on the moon, indicating a mix of humor and concern.
  • One participant expresses a strong opposition to the idea, suggesting they would support actions against such advertisements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the feasibility and desirability of advertisements in space, with some expressing strong opposition while others entertain the possibility as a future reality.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the speculative nature of the discussion, reliance on cultural references, and varying assumptions about public acceptance and technological feasibility.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in the intersection of space exploration, commercialism, and cultural implications may find this discussion relevant.

Phobos
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http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/space/03/11/russia.space.ap/index.html

... patented a device for putting advertising into space that would be seen from Earth... satellites would be visible in the night sky by employing sunlight reflectors, with multiple satellites linked together to create a message large enough to be seen.
 
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Now that's just too damn impractical. It ruins the night sky, it'll be hard to maintain. (unless it the metal reflectors are multi-purposed)

However, this is good news! Bad nox-environments for astronomers will push for the expansion of space. Perhaps this push'll help telescope-eers for the establishment of a lunar farside base? We're running out of space, anyway. We might as well get a move on.
 
it won't happen...this is one of those AP stories they type up when they haven't met their science quotas, advertising in space would be far too unpopular to make sense for advertisers...
 
Say, did anyone ever read Heinlein's old story "The Man who Sold the Moon"? In that his capitalist space promoter, D.D. Harriman, got Coca Cola and 7-Up into a bidding war over the rights to spread their logo over the face of the moon. See the technology for space travel existed, but nobody wanted to lay out the bucks to go. Remind you of anything? So Harriman used his business smarts to "create a demand". It's a classic.

BTW if you are moved to read it, be sure to read "Requiem" afterward.
 
I think the day's coming when we look up at the night sky and see a giant Nike 'swoosh' on the moon.
 
If it happens, I will gladly support any "terrorist" groups dedicated to the destruction of such things.
 

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