Mirror, mirror, up in space?

Russian scientists unveil a giant space mirror that lights up the night. Not everyone thinks it's a bright idea. Do you?

In the pre-dawn darkness of February 4, 1993, a mysterious spotlight danced across Europe and parts of Russia. Eight minutes later, it disappeared.

An alien invasion. A falling star? Hardly. This night light was the product of a recent Russian space endeavor. As half the world slept, Russian ground controllers unfurled a plastic and aluminum mirror spanning 65 feet in diameter. On its third orbit around the planet, the mirror titled slightly to reflect sunlight. In a flash, it beamed the light onto the "night" side of the globe.

Although the light's intensity equaled that of only two or three full moons, the project was declared "a big success" by its designers. They had proved that such missions--first proposed by a German scientist in 1929--are indeed possible. Now Russian scientists hope that by placing several larger mirrors in space all at once, they can illuminate darkened parts of Earth tens of kiolmeters across.

Why illuminate the night? Proponents says that reflecting sunshine at night could cut billions of dollars annually from the cost of electricity. In addition, extended daylight hours night aid farmers during planting and harvesting seasons, or help rescue crews following a natural disaster.

Siberians and others who live near the poles might benefit most, suggests former Russian space scientist Roald Sagdeev. These people dwell in perpetual darkness for about six months each year. But they can't simply hibernate, Sagdeev says. They have work to do, extracting the coal, oil, and gas that keep the Russian economy going. And they need light to do it by.

TINKERING WITH NATURE?

But opponents say that tampering with Earth's natural cycle of day and night could have serious consequences.

Take the possible biological effects. Says biologist Arthur Winfree, many animal species exhibit photoperiodism, changes in hebavior or body functions in response to recurring cycles of light and dark. The length of these cycles determines when animals hiberante and mate, among other things.

If you interrupt the darkness by shining a light, says Winfree, you might wake an animal hibernating in winter, for example, increasing its need for energy. In snow-covered surroundings, the animal might not be able to find enough "fuel," or food, sys Winfree. "You can imagine all kinds of scenarios."

Astronomers says the reflections of space mirrors many increase light pollution on Earth. As astrophyscist Ptrick Crane points out, adding artificial light or obscures the natural glow of stars and other celestial bodies. This light not only interferes with scientific studies, he says, but diminishes the natural beauty of the nighttime sky.

Moreover, scientists ask, could the mirror's light warm parts of our planet, altering local weather patterns? How about sleep/wake cycles in humans? Or the life processes of plants? How might a space mirror affect your life?

The Russians say they have conducted studies and found no evidence of harm. Further studies are part of the ongoing research, says project engineer Nikolai Sevastyanov.

In the meantime, all future plans remain on paper. The Russians must raise $10 million to build another mirror, not including the costs of launching. If they do find the funds, should they go ahead? Debate and decide.