Starlink
Starlink is SpaceX's satellite internet service, made up of thousands of satellites orbiting in low Earth orbit. Because of the bright points moving in a line that are often seen in the sky, it is a regular source of UFO reports.
Starlink is SpaceX's satellite internet service and the satellite network (constellation) that operates it. The system's goal is to provide broadband internet across much of the world using satellites orbiting in low Earth orbit (LEO). The first batch of 60 satellites was placed in orbit in May 2019; since then, the network has grown to several thousand satellites, and SpaceX continues to launch new ones.
Why does it come up in UFO/UAP topics?
The satellites are launched on Falcon 9 rockets, in large batches at a time. In the days after launch, the satellites still travel closely one behind the other, in a line, and by reflecting sunlight they appear in the night sky as a “train” of bright, evenly spaced points. This sight surprises many observers, and UFO reports about it come in frequently, in some cases from pilots as well. Later, the satellites use their electric thrusters to rise to a higher orbit and spread out, so the conspicuous line disappears.
The other common source is satellite reentry. After a few years, Starlink satellites enter the atmosphere in a controlled way and burn up. Because of the size of the network, this now happens almost daily, and the glowing objects moving slowly and breaking into pieces are often reported as UFOs or meteors.
Skeptical and astronomical view
According to astronomers and skeptics, most such reports can be identified as Starlink passes or reentries. The satellites' orbital data can be tracked publicly, so the time and direction of a given sighting can usually be compared with the satellites' actual positions. Dedicated tracking websites and apps also exist for this purpose.
Other aspects
Astronomers have expressed concern that the large number of satellites may interfere with ground-based astronomical observations, because they can leave bright streaks on images. SpaceX has tried to reduce this with developments aimed at darkening the satellites. Starlink is also a subject of debate because of the growth of space debris and orbital traffic.
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