The company is seeking F.C.C. approval to test an idea to reflect sunlight to Earth at night, possibly powering solar panels. Critics say it could be bad for people and wildlife.

Sunglint occurs when sunlight reflects off the ocean at the same angle satellites observe it, producing mirror-like images while affecting ocean color measurements.

Owing to the wave nature of light there are many ways that such different waves can interact with each other, but also with materials. Everyone knows about reflecting light with a mirror, which is a ...