China announced in October that it plans to launch a satellite into space by 2020. The satellite would be like an artificial moon. The goal is to replace street lights in the city of Chengdu in a diameter of 10 to 80 kilometres.

According to Wu Chunfeng, director of Chengdu’s Aerospace Institute, the satellite’s glow is close to eight times greater than the Moon’s. Some of the locals are worried because of the possible effects of the artificial light on the habits of animals, for example.

Kang Weimin is a company director and a representative of the project. He has said that the artificial light is similar to the light emitted by sunset and that it does not pose a threat to animals.

QUESTIONS

1) Why will China launch an artificial moon?
a) Because the Moon that already exists will disappear
b) To replace the streetlights of a city
c) To monitor the Universe
d) To make the sky prettier

2) What are your thoughts on living in a city that is lit by an artificial moon? Explain your answer.

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