CHENGDU, CHINA — Officials in China are planning to launch an illumination satellite in the southwestern city of Chengdu within the next two years.<br /><br />The man-made moon will have a reflective coating on its surface to reflect light from the sun, according to Asia Times.<br /><br />It also will have solar panel-like wings on its surface which can be adjusted for precise lighting.<br /><br />The satellite will reportedly be eight times brighter than the real moon and could replace street lights.<br /><br />The artificial moon would be able to light an area of up to 10 to 80 kilometers in diameter, giving a dusk-like hue to complement the real moon in the sky.<br /><br />Officials in the city hope the artificial moon will bring in more tourists once it is in the sky.<br /><br />However some members of the public are reportedly worried the man-made moon might have an adverse effect on animals and astronomical observation.
