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SpaceX satellites were visible in late April, baffling many stargazers who didn’t know what they were seeing. SpaceX has so far launched 422 satellites into orbit as Elon Musk, 48, expands his constellation of satellites that transmit the Internet. The Starlink constellation, which astronomers have called a monstrosity, could one day reach 12,000 satellites.
And while Starlink sightings aren’t always guaranteed across the UK, many star gazers have reported glowing trains in the night skies.
One person tweeted: “@VirtualAstro finally! We saw 36 Starlink 5 about SW London, light pollution and everything! So Chuffin is excited! “
Another person said: “It is not often that you can look up into the night sky and see dozens of satellites passing overhead in succession.
“We counted 39 of the 60 Starlink-5 # satellites that flew over London. Very impressive view. Thanks @VirtualAstro! “
READ MORE: Starlink Satellites: What are they for? What is SpaceX’s Starlink?
Starlink Satellites: Can you see SpaceX satellites in the UK? (Image: PA / FINDSTARLINK.COM)
Starlink satellites: SpaceX satellites will someday count 12,000 (Image: PA GRAPHICS)
Can you see Starlink tonight?
Starlink satellites are launched in batches of 60, each called Starlink-1, Starlink-2, Starlink-3, etc.
Newer batches are easier to spot at night because their orbits are lower but will increase over time.
On average, Starlink satellites run around the world at heights of approximately 341 miles.
As a result, satellite trains can be difficult to detect, especially if you live in a densely populated area.
Light pollution is always the greatest enemy of astronomers.
According to the Starlink tracker FindStarlink.com, the viewing conditions for tonight (May 4) are poor and are likely to stay that way for the next five days.
Counted 39 of the 60 Starlink-5 sats
Twitter user
Starlink satellites: satellites travel on shiny trains (Image: PA)
Starlink satellites: Starlink satellites launch in batches of 60 (Image: GETTY)
Starlink visibility from London
Times with good visibility:
9.26pm – Starlink-3 – For five minutes.
Look from the southwest to the east.
10.01pm, May 5 – Starlink-3 – For six minutes.
Look from the southwest to the east.
Low visibility times:
12.01am – Starlink-3 – For six minutes.
Look from west to west.
11.01pm – Starlink-3 – For six minutes.
Look from west to east.
12.37am, May 5 – Starlink-3 – For six minutes.
Look from west to west.
You can also use the website to view a live map of the orbital routes that the satellites follow.
However, be aware that there is no guarantee that the satellites are reflective enough to be seen.
Starlink satellites complete a lap around the planet once every 90 minutes, which means a visible Starlink train at 9 p.m. It should be seen again at 10.30 p.m.
The website’s creator said, “Many reports of failed sightings were received for Starlink this week. I am very sorry that it did not work.
“After investigation, and with the guidance of Dr. Marco Langbroek, it appears to have been caused by disregarding the shape and possible orientation of the Starlink satellites.
“The software has been fixed, and I hope it will resolve most of the issues, but there is still no guarantee that you will see Starlink.
“I have been wrong before and will continue to monitor this. I apologize for the inconvenience and understand how annoying it must be to try multiple times and not see anything.”
