Starlink Satellites
Elon Musk’s Starlink program is an ambitious endeavor to bring affordable and high speed internet to people around the globe. The plan involves the launch of more than 12,000 satellite constellation into space by the SpaceX company. They have already launched over 600 satellites into Low Earth Orbit.
The Starlink satellites are extremely visible in the night sky and look like strings of pearls – an orderly row of lights traveling together in a line. Each satellite weighs around 550 lb, and is equipped with a powerful ion propulsion thruster to remain in its orbit. As they travel around the planet, their solar panels glitter in the sun during the day and glow at night, making them easily visible to skywatchers around the world.
When to See Elon Musk’s Satellites?
Satellites can be seen almost any clear night, however there are certain times which tend to be best for visibility. Every week, the Starlink satellites’ orbital paths become more established allowing for easier and more consistent observations.
For those in the Northern Hemisphere, the best time to see Starlink is late at night. They are typically easiest to detect in the hour or two before dawn, when they are passing through the highest point in their orbit during the night. You can also see them in the hour or two after sunset, when they are near the horizon and are most visible in the dark night sky.
For those in the Southern Hemisphere, the best times to see Elon Musk’s satellites will be in the middle of the night, with some visible after sunset and some before dawn. You may be able to spot them just after sunset and just before dawn, when they are near the horizon and are most visible in the dark night sky.
What to Look Out For
Although some observers may mistake it for a shooting star, the Starlink trail will usually appear brighter and move slower in the night sky. If you’re looking for Starlink, look for a string of dim lights moving in an arc across the night sky. These satellites typically move in a straight line, from horizon to horizon and appear to twinkle.
You can also find out when Starlink satellites are passing overhead using satellite tracking websites such as CalSky or Heavens-Above. The websites will allow you to enter your exact location to find the exact times that the satellites will be passing overhead.
Skywatching Tips
Starlink satellites are not particularly bright and may be difficult to spot with the naked eye. It’s best to go out and observe on a night when there is no moon, as the night sky should be at its darkest. The Starlink satellites will also be easier to spot when they are near the horizon. Therefore, it is important to pick a spot with an unobstructed view of the night sky and look for the satellites near the horizon.
It is also important to give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness – it usually takes about 20 minutes for the night sky to appear at its darkest. It is also advisable to keep the use of any electronic device, such as a flashlight, camera or mobile phone, to a minimum. This will ensure that your eyes stay attuned to the environment and make spotting the satellite trails much easier.
Pollution Impact
The launch of so many satellites has however sparked some debate, as they have the potential to contribute to light pollution in the night sky. Starlink is the largest satellite megaconstellation to be launched and as a result, has the potential to outshine some of the fainter stars in the night sky.
To reduce the potential impact of light pollution, SpaceX has added a ‘sun visor’ to the design of the satellites. This is a deployable visor which is designed to keep the light from the satellites’ solar panels from reflecting and significantly dimming their brightness when the satellites pass overhead.
These new sun-visors have been found to be quite effective, as a recent study revealed that the reflectivity of some of the sun visors was only 20% when compared to the earlier version Starlink satellites which had a reflectivity of 80%. This suggests that the light pollution from the satellites is being greatly reduced, aiding astronomers in their work of mapping the distant stars and galaxies.
Launch Schedule
SpaceX plans to launch batches of 60 Starlink satellites bi-weekly and there are already over 600 Starlink satellites already orbiting Earth. It is expected that there will be around 1200 satellites in orbit by the end of 2020, followed by regular launches to eventually get to 12,000.
The exact launch schedule is available on the SpaceX website. You can keep track of the upcoming launches and track the previous launched satellites with the help of online satellite tracking websites such as CalSky, Heavens-Above or Satflare.
Starlink App
For those looking to get an even closer look at the Starlink satellites, SpaceX has released an official app to help track the satellites.
The Starlink app provides real-time tracking of the satellites for both iPhone and Android devices. It also provides information about the individual satellites as well as their orbital paths.
Visible in Different Parts of the World
Starlink satellites are visible all over the world, however the times will vary depending on where you live.
For example, those located in the northern hemisphere will typically get the best view during late night hours and around dawn and dusk. Those located in the southern hemisphere will typically get the best views in the middle of the night.
The exact times will also vary depending on the altitude at which the satellites orbit and thus could be visible in some parts of the world but not others. If you are near the equator you should also get a better view of the satellites as they travel across the sky at a lower latitude than in other parts of the world.
Conclusion of Viewing Starlink
So, if you’re looking to get a glimpse at Elon Musk’s Starlink fleet, timing is key. Those located in the northern hemisphere should look for satellites late at night, when viewing from the southern hemisphere, look for them in the middle of the night.
Using satellite tracking websites or the Starlink app can help you keep track of the satellites in real time, as well as when and where they will be visible in the night sky. And if you’re near the equator, you may get even better views, as the satellites will pass at lower latitudes.
