What equipment is need to track Starlink satellites in the night sky?
Starlink Satellite Train: How to See and Track It in the Night Sky
If you’ve ever looked up at the night sky and wondered about the streaks of light shooting across it, you may be interested to know that those streaks could actually be satellites. Specifically, they could be part of the Starlink constellation, a network of satellites launched by Elon Musk’s SpaceX to provide internet access around the world.
What is the Starlink Satellite Train?
The Starlink satellite train is a string of satellites that are launched and deployed into orbit together. When they are first launched, they are in a tight formation, which is why they appear as a train of lights shooting across the sky. Over time, the satellites will spread out and move into their operational orbits.
How to See the Starlink Satellite Train
The good news is that if you know when and where to look, you can easily see the Starlink satellite train for yourself. The satellites are visible to the naked eye and can be seen from anywhere in the world where the sky is clear and dark enough.
Here are some tips for spotting the Starlink satellite train:
- Check online trackers or apps to see when the Starlink satellite train will be passing overhead in your area. Websites like Satflare and apps like ISS Detector can help you find the exact time and location.
- Look for the satellite train shortly after sunset or before sunrise, when the sky is as dark as possible but the sun is still illuminating the satellites.
- Find an open space with an unobstructed view of the sky, away from city lights and other sources of light pollution.
- Use binoculars or a telescope to get a closer look at the satellites and see their individual lights.
When you see the Starlink satellite train for the first time, it’s hard not to be amazed by the sheer number of satellites in the constellation. Keep in mind, though, that this is just the beginning: SpaceX plans to launch tens of thousands of Starlink satellites over the coming years, which means we may be seeing even more of these satellite trains in the future.
So the next time you’re out stargazing, keep an eye out for the Starlink satellite train – it’s a sight you won’t soon forget.