Starlink Satellites

[Tilly2]

I was out in the garden at around 5.30pm and saw a very strange phenomenon in the sky. It was a stream of lights travelling across the sky from West to East. I called Mr T to come and have a look and we stood looking up, totally baffled by what we were seeing.

An internet search told me that it was Starlink satellites launched from SpaceX. So, apparently, we have Mr Musk to thank for these satellites. Have a Google and see for yourself how creepy this train of satellites looks.

[Xeronema]

Ah okies, I thought Musk had been charging for use of his satellites. I didn't realise he'd not charge anyone anything. I take it back then.

[Buenchico]

There are already 3,000 Starlink satellites up there, with a further 9,000 to follow, taking the total to 12,000. A possible later stage in the programme might see that number upped to 42,000 though.

Geostationary satellites, which remain in s fixed position relative to the Earth's surface, need to be about 22,000 miles above the Earth. (The Astra group of satellites, which beam Freesat and Sky programmes down to us are geostationary). So they're not easy to spot. However Starlink satellites are in a low orbit over the Earth, at at height of only about 342 miles, so they're much brighter in the sky. Their purpose is to provide internet services, rather than for TV.

[ichkeria]

And of course with low earth orbiters you need a lot more of them