To see Starlink satellites in the night sky, follow these steps:
- Best time to see them: Look shortly after sunset or before sunrise. At these times, the satellites reflect sunlight and appear as a bright train of lights moving steadily across the sky
- What to look for: Starlink satellites often appear as a "train" or chain of bright dots moving in a straight line across the sky. This is especially visible shortly after a new launch when the satellites are still close together in low orbit
- Use satellite tracking apps: Apps like Satellite Tracker, Sky Tonight, and Star Walk 2 provide real-time information about when and where Starlink satellites will be visible from your location. These apps can show the satellites' trajectories on a sky map and send you reminders for upcoming flybys
- Websites for tracking: Websites such as findstarlink.com, heavens-above.com, and n2yo.com let you enter your location to get predictions of Starlink satellite passes. They also offer live maps of satellite positions and coverage
- How to track: After choosing a satellite or group of satellites to track in the app or website, follow the guidance (e.g., arrows or sky maps) to locate them in the sky. The satellites move quickly, completing an orbit roughly every 90 minutes, so timing is important
- No special equipment needed: Starlink satellites are visible to the naked eye as bright moving points of light, so no telescope is required
In summary, to see Starlink satellites, check a reliable satellite tracking app or website for your location and viewing times, go outside shortly after sunset or before sunrise, and look for a line of bright moving lights crossing the sky
