China To Launch "Artificial Moons" Into Orbit By 2020

In a move that could save hundreds of millions of dollars in annual electricity costs, the Chinese government is planning to launch a "fake moon" into space in 2020.

The moon, according to China Daily, is actually an "illumination satellite" featuring reflective panels. These panels will catch and release light from the sun just as the moon does, although Wu Chunfeng, head of Tian Fu New Area Science Society in Chengdu, says the satellite has the potential to be approximately eight times as bright as the natural celestial reflector.

The satellite will allegedly have the capacity to increase and decrease its level of brightness, aim light in other directions to aid in times of disaster, and limit or expand ground coverage, which could range from 6 to 50 miles in diameter.

Prior to launch, tests will be conducted "in an uninhabited desert" in order to ascertain whether or not the light will negatively effect the natural cycles of wildlife. According to Wu, however, the artificial moon will not "light up the entire night sky" because it is expected to be only about one-fifth as bright as regular streetlights.