Protecting Astronomers from Space Adverts

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed changes to its regulations to enforce a law against "obtrusive" advertising in space, addressing concerns that large advertisements could disrupt astronomical observations. Currently, the FAA lacks the authority to enforce this law, which is crucial as oversized billboards in low Earth orbit could be visible without telescopes. Regulators warn that such advertisements could significantly alter the night sky, impacting both amateur and professional astronomers. The proposal aims to preserve the darkness of the night sky and maintain its aesthetic integrity. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the need to protect astronomical interests from commercial encroachments in space.
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http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/space/05/20/space.advertising.reut/index.html

The Federal Aviation Administration proposed Thursday to amend its regulations to ensure that it can enforce a law that prohibits "obtrusive" advertising in zero gravity...
Currently, the FAA lacks the authority to enforce the existing law.
For instance, outsized billboards deployed by a space company into low Earth orbit could appear as large as the moon and be seen without a telescope, the FAA said. Big and bright advertisements might hinder astronomers.
"Large advertisements could destroy the darkness of the night sky," regulators said.

color me happily shocked
go FAA!
 
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I've heard of this. It would be pretty annoying, and would make the skies look ugly. Anyone using a telescope would be very annoyed, go FAA!
 
This will ensure that I get a clean shot when I try to carve my initials on the surface of the moon with a giant laser beam.
 
You'll melt the cheese, than there'll be fondue ads :biggrin:
 

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